About Garfield Park
Opening in 1873, Garfield Park is the oldest park in the city. It consists of more than 122 acres on the near southside of town at the confluence of Pleasant Run and Bean Creeks. Before 1873, the area was called Bradley Woods and after 1873, Southern Racing Park. The park was renamed Garfield Park in 1881 shortly after the assassination of President James A. Garfield.
With its various amenities, Garfield Park has something for everyone: visual arts, playgrounds, plants, basketball, music, swimming, flowers, pickleball, theatre, trails, horseshoes, fitness. Garfield Park facilities include Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden, Garfield Park Arts Center (GPAC), Burrello Family Center, Garfield Park Aquatic Center and the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts.
Garfield Park will also be benefitting from the Lilly Endowment Grant that will replace the playground near the Pagoda and make improvement to the Sunken Gardens. Initial work on these projects is anticipated to begin in 2024.
Did you know?
Garfield Park has been known for its greenhouses since 1895.
At one point in its history, Garfield Park housed a zoo with live animals such as monkeys and bears.
Top Things To Do at Garfield Park
- Visit the main gallery at the Garfield Park Arts Center to see the artwork.
- Cool off in the pool at the Garfield Park Aquatic Center.
- Get lost in the tropical jungle of the Conservatory and Sunken Garden.
- Come to an outdoor concert at the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts.
- Shoot hoops, dink the pickleball at the Burrello Family Center
- Climb the spiral staircase for a view of downtown Indianapolis at the Pagoda Shelter.
