$2.15 million project is the first Lilly Endowment grant project to break ground in 2024
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks broke ground on a $2.15 million project at Indianapolis World Sports Park on the city’s southeast side. The groundbreaking marked the first Lilly Endowment grant project to begin in 2024 and will result in a new concession pavilion with restrooms and a paved parking lot next to the existing sports fields. Announced in early 2023, the Lilly Endowment awarded $80 million in grants to fund improvements at 42 parks across the city.
“Over the last several years, the City and its partners committed a total of $140 million to upgrade the Indy Parks system because we understand the benefits of a good park,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Today’s groundbreaking will ensure the World Sports Park can hold bigger and better events for families and sports lovers of every kind.”
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward a healthier, stronger, and more connected community,” said Parks Committee Chair Jared Evans. “As someone who has experienced the transformative power of sports firsthand, I recognize the vital role they play in impacting youth and fostering community engagement.”
The 42 Lilly Endowment projects include parks in all nine townships that will see improvements to sports fields and facilities, playgrounds, splash pads, trails, and more. Other planned sports field and facility projects include field improvements at Frederick Douglass Park, converting the football field at Gustafson Park into a multi-purpose field, field and stadium improvements at Kuntz Sports Complex, and field improvements to better serve youth football leagues at Tarkington Park.
“Today’s project here at Indianapolis World Sports Park is an example of the investments we are making in our sports fields and facilities,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “These historic investments in sports facilities across the city will provide residents of all ages with greater opportunities to play the sports they love.”
Indianapolis World Sports Park is home to three multi-use sports fields where community members play soccer, lacrosse, hurling, rugby, and Gaelic football.
