The project is one of dozens of park improvements being made in 2025 and 2026
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Franklin Township Community Park. The $2.8 million project includes a new playground, pickleball and basketball courts, paved trails, and other site improvements.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, we are building better public spaces for generations to come here in Indianapolis,” said Mayor Hogsett. “For our neighbors in Franklin Township, these new park improvements represent a real, material change in how they enjoy their neighborhood and raise their families.”
At 99 acres, Franklin Township Community Park is the second-largest park in Franklin Township. It also features multiple soccer, baseball, softball, and football fields located in the southern portion of the park, adjacent to Franklin Central High School.
“This renovation is more than just a facelift,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “It’s a reflection of what happens when we come together with a shared vision for the future. We are thrilled to unveil these new vibrant amenities that will provide enriching experiences for our residents.”
As part of the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant to Indy Parks, the completed renovation comes as the department has awarded contracts, begun construction, or completed more than 90% of all projects funded by the grant. Franklin Township Community Park is one of six parks in the city’s southern three townships where construction on new amenities is either underway or scheduled to begin by early 2026.
- Southside Park: Construction is underway on a new playground, pickleball and basketball courts, and walkways. The park is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen when construction is completed in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Tolin Akeman Park: This project will deliver a new playground, pickleball courts, and trail improvements. The park is currently closed for construction, which is scheduled for completion in 2026.
- Southwestway Park: One of the city’s largest parks, Southwestway Park will receive a new playground and restroom facility with construction starting in late 2025 or early 2026. The park grounds will remain open during construction, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
- Perry Park: A new playground will be installed with funding from the Lilly Endowment grant. Additional improvements to the park’s existing hardcourts will be funded through the 2025 Spring Fiscal. The park grounds and other amenities will remain open during construction, which will begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Thompson Park: Selected by Councilor Mike Dilk as part of the $1 million Parks or DPW District Project Initiative, Thompson Park will receive a new playground, improved trails, and other site improvements. The park will be closed during construction, which recently began. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
“Franklin Township Community Park has always been a place where families come together,” said City-County Councilor Brian Mowery. “These new upgrades reflect our shared commitment to keeping Franklin Township a great place to live, raise a family, and stay connected to our neighbors. I am proud to see this kind of investment right here at home.”
As Indy Parks continues to upgrade over 40% of the city’s 218 parks, residents are encouraged to visit the Indy Parks website to view the most updated information about park construction in their area.
Building on the historic investment in parks of over $150 million from philanthropic, city, and other funds, the 2026 city budget maintains Indy Parks’ annual $5.8 million Capital Improvement Budget. An additional $6 million in city funding was allocated from the 2025 Spring Fiscal and Councilor-led projects at Indy Parks for park maintenance and improvements.
Images of the park are available here.
Indy Parks will also be hosting a groundbreaking for improvements to Sahm Park on Friday, October 17, at 1:30 pm.
