About Riverside Park
Riverside Park was developed for agriculture use beginning in the 1820s. The are along white river became a popular recreation space during the last half of the nineteenth century. In 1898, Mayor Thomas Taggart negotiated the purchase of large tracts of land around Indianapolis to form new park and parkway systems. Riverside Park was one of the largest city parks in the United States. It would remain the largest park in Marion County until the development of Eagle Creek Park in 1962. Riverside Park was listed in the National register of Historic Places in 2003 as part of the Indianapolis Park and boulevard system historical district.
Recent improvement to Riverside Park include the Thomas Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in 2021 and the Riverside Promenade trail in 2023. The Riverside Adventure Park north of 30th street is currently under construction creating a nature themed playground, new trails, and more. Construction on the Taggart Memorial Playground next to the Amphitheater is expected to begin in 2025. These improvements are based on the findings and community input included in the Riverside Regional Park Master Plan.
Since 2020, investments in completed and future projects at Riverside Park will total over $35 million as Indy Parks works to transform the park into one of the city’s great new assets.
Riverside Promenade
The Riverside Promenade trail stretches 1.5 miles from just east of the 30th street bridge near Herron Riverside High School down to 16th street along East Riverside Drive. The Promenade passes through the park along the sports fields and courts, the Riverside Park Family Center, the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater, and the South Grove Golf Course. Together with the Central White River trail, residents can do a full loop around the entire eastern portion of Riverside Park.
The Promenade is perfect for a bike ride, a run, or a casual walk with others. Nodes throughout the trail highlight the history of Riverside and the City of Indianapolis.
Riverside Adventure Park
As part of the Riverside Park Master Plan, Indy Parks has converted the old Riverside Golf Course into the Riverside Adventure Park. Phase 1 of this project will open to the public in the first quarter of 2025 and includes a new playground, trail network, shelters, and more. Indy Parks has also received a grant to build an Archery Range at the Adventure Park. This Phase 2 project is anticipated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
In the fall of 2024, Indy Park held an initial public meeting to gather community feedback on initial plans to build a nature center at the Adventure Park. This Phase 3 project is still in the very early stages as planners work on initial design concepts.
Winter Warming Center
During extreme temperatures and weather events, Indy Parks Family Centers are available as cooling or warming centers during open hours. To learn more, visit parks.indy.gov/extremeweather
