By RONNETTA SPAULDING /Chief communications officer, Indy Parks
From groundbreakings, construction sites and newly designed family centers, Indy Parks is reshaping park spaces inside and out. It continues to be a joy to jumpstart development efforts to invest in our city’s parks.
Last year we shared how Mayor Hogsett’s Circle City Forward (CCF) initiative would bring $45 million to fund projects at Frederick Douglass Park, Grassy Creek Regional Park, Krannert Park and Riverside Regional Park. At Riverside, $11 million will construct the Riverside Promenade’s cultural trail and the first phase of the Riverside Adventure Park. (See the November edition of Urban Times.)
You’ll notice Krannert, Frederick Douglass, and Broad Ripple Parks are under construction, which is good news for the people we serve and for our park staff. And the Rev. Charles R. Williams Park recently welcomed neighbors for a groundbreaking ceremony.
We are excited to show off what’s been happening in some of these spaces.
Broad Ripple Park. The new family center is almost ready for its debut. The building now has windows, doors and clearly defined rooms with stunning views of White River throughout. Once construction is complete, the family center will offer an indoor track, upgraded fitness areas, community meeting and rental spaces, children’s play area, expanded programming, and so much more. Through a unique public/private partnership, the center will also feature a health clinic operated by Community Health Network. A community open house will be held in early 2023.
Frederick Douglass Park. Using $20 million in Circle City Forward funds, the family center will soon feature two full sized basketball courts, a walking track, multi-purpose community rooms, and more. One of the most visible tributes to Frederick Douglass Park and its namesake, is the mural with one of Frederick Douglass’s quotes and a photo. This mural will be preserved from its current location on the back of the family center to a prominent spot in the new center.
Grassy Creek Park. Another bright spot in our Circle City Forward funding is Grassy Creek Park. This beautiful park will receive $7 million for renovations, which will feature an enclosed event and education facility, new sports amenities, new greenway, and land acquisition. Our team has thought through ways to welcome people inside to enjoy community rooms, meeting spaces, a bird watching space, and work areas throughout the facility. A community input session was recently held to show off new renderings. Projects bids could be ready in February 2023.
Krannert Park. Krannert Park’s construction is under way and will use $7 million in Circle City Forward funds to transform the park’s two pools into a larger indoor, year-round pool. Other enhancements will include a new outdoor splash pad, water play features, fitness room and track, heating and cooling improvements. In October, Indy Parks joined community members, staff, and partners to unveil upcoming improvements.
Rev. Charles R. Williams Park. This park in Mapleton-Fall Creek is getting an overdue makeover. Indy Parks matched a $750,000 Land and Water Conservation Funds grant, resulting in a total improvement project of $2.25 million for this special park. Located at 3242 Sutherland Ave., Rev. Charles R. Williams Park will soon feature horseshoe courts, new playground equipment, rubberized surfaces in a variety of colors and patterns, picnic shelter, open lawn area, perimeter loop trail, and offer connection to the Monon Trail. Project construction could wrap up in summer of 2023.
It’s going to be a full year of park improvement projects and celebrations. For more information on Indy Parks, our 214 parks and amenities, visit parks.indy.gov, call 317-327-PARK, or email IndyParksCS@indy.gov.
PHOTO ABOVE: Mayor Joe Hogsett (center) helped with groundbreaking ceremonies at Frederick Douglass Park.
