By Isabel Ramsey / Public information officer, Indy Parks
Spanning more than 900 acres, Riverside Regional Park stands as one of the city’s beloved urban oases, boasting a size comparable to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
The park is currently undergoing major upgrades to enhance the recreational experiences it offers to the community. These improvements include the Riverside Promenade, which is soon to be complete, and the Riverside Adventure Park, whose phase one construction will start soon.
These are two remarkable additions that have revitalized the park, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Riverside Promenade. If you’ve recently traveled along the eastern border of Riverside Park, spanning from 16th to 30th Street, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed an exciting new addition. The Riverside Promenade, a 1.5-mile cultural heritage corridor, is nearly complete and was funded through Mayor Hogsett’s Circle City Forward Initiative. At press time, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, to celebrate this exciting new amenity.
This meticulously planned trail offers an exceptional means of exploring the park, whether by bicycle or on foot. Along your journey, you’ll encounter designated nodes that provide a captivating journey through the rich history of Riverside and its surrounding areas. While on your journey, you can stop off to play on the Colts playground, view the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater, take a break, or even join in on a program happening in the Family Center.
Riverside Adventure Park. Positioned on the former grounds of the Riverside Golf Course at the north end of the park, the Adventure Park is a transformative initiative that will change that single-use golf facility into an inclusive, interactive park designed to cater to all members of the community.
With community input and careful site analysis as guiding principles, a comprehensive vision has been crafted for the site, encompassing five distinct activity zones – wetland education, winter recreation, adventure recreation, river recreation and nature engagement.
The first phase of implementation, slated to commence soon, includes the establishment of essential trail facilities, a nature-themed playground, convenient picnic shelters, informative signage, a reconfigured entry drive, and upgraded parking infrastructure.
These developments aim to enhance Riverside Regional Park into an inclusive and dynamic haven for all who visit.
Riverside Park presents a wealth of opportunities for both exploration and learning that are sure to captivate a diverse range of interests. With an array of engaging programs such as Adult Archery, City-Wide Youth Basketball, a Volleyball Club, Senior Aerobics, and an abundance of other activities, there’s truly something for everyone. We hope you come and join us for an enriching experience at Riverside Park soon.
RENDERING ABOVE: The Riverside Promenade is nearly complete at Riverside Park.
