About Tarkington Park
Tarkington Park is located on the near north side of Indianapolis and has been a community hub since its establishment in 1945. Offering a range of recreational activities, from tennis and basketball courts to a multi-use sports field and covered shelter, this park is a haven for active living. Also included is the Tarkington Park Café featuring public restrooms, a splash pad, and a performance shelter. The sports field was named the Richard “Coach Nell” Hamilton Field in 2023. Dating back to 2005, the Indy Steelers Youth Football team saw thousands of local youths out on the multi-purpose field practicing each season with Coach Nell at the center of the team.
Early in 2023, Coach Nell learned that improvements were coming to Tarkington Park, including development of the field. Six days later, Coach Nell died during a road rage incident. Coach Nell’s legacy lives on through the thousands of football players he coached throughout the years, and now will be remembered during each game played on the field.
Header Photography by Susan Fleck
