The first phase of improvements includes new trails, a playground, and shelters
INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday, May 1, Mayor Joe Hogsett, City-County Council President Vop Osili, and Indy Parks celebrated the opening of the Riverside Adventure Park. The $13 million project is funded by the Circle City Forward Initiative and the Lilly Endowment Grant to Indy Parks. The new portion of Riverside Park will include over four miles of newly paved trails, a pavilion and plaza with restrooms and parking, a nature-inspired playground, and a fitness loop with outdoor exercise equipment.
“Through investments from our Circle City Forward initiative and the Lilly Endowment, it is with great pride that we continue to bring major improvements to one of our largest parks,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The new Riverside Adventure Park will play a vital role in the city’s park and trail systems, and we are looking forward to seeing the great value it brings to our neighbors here on the Near Northwest side.”
This completed project represents the first phase of development of the Riverside Adventure Park. The second phase, which calls for an archery range, is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. Phase 3 includes plans to build a nature center. Indy Parks held an initial Open House in August of 2024 to receive initial input on design concepts to inform the initial schematic design for the project. Indy Parks has invested over $36 million in Riverside Park since 2019 to fulfill aspects of the Riverside Park Master Plan. This includes $11 million from the Circle City Forward Initiative to fund the Riverside Adventure Park and Promenade Trail which opened in 2023.
“The Riverside Adventure Park is not just a new destination — it is a bold affirmation of what is possible when we invest in people and place,” said Vop Osili, President of the Indianapolis City-County Council. “This park embodies a vision shaped by community input, rooted in equity, and designed for connection — connection to nature, to movement, and to each other. I’m proud to see this phase complete, and excited for the future of this transformative space.”
Indy Parks will also begin construction on a new Taggart Memorial Playground next to the Taggart Amphitheater this summer. The $2 million project is funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant and is part of Indy Parks plan to modernize over 40% of the city’s playgrounds in the coming years.
“Research shows that access to greenspaces like the Riverside Adventure Park improves both mental and physical health. People know that parks are crucial to their quality of life, that’s why 86% seek high quality parks when choosing where they want to live,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “With this project and over $140 million being invested in our Indy Parks system, we’re making it clear that Indianapolis has the park amenities that improve your quality of life.”
Park grounds at the Adventure Park will be open year-round from Dawn until Dusk. The Adventure Park covers over 180 acres out of Riverside Regional Park’s 862 acres total acres. Pictures from the ribbon cutting and a map of the Adventure Park are available here.
