Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks officials gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $2.6 million renovation project at Chapel Hill Park. This initiative marks the second major park improvement project launched within a week, signaling the city’s commitment to expanding recreational opportunities and revitalizing community spaces.
Once completed, the park will feature a new splash pad, an upgraded playground, a basketball court, and two pickleball courts. These enhancements are part of a broader push to transform underutilized neighborhood parks into vibrant, community-driven spaces.
Investing in Community Spaces
Mayor Hogsett highlighted the significance of the project, emphasizing its role in enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
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“Starting construction at Chapel Hill Park represents the City’s commitment to transform our parks that need it the most,” said Hogsett. “Projects like this one will turn a small neighborhood park into a place where residents can foster a strong sense of community and experience an enhanced quality of life.”
The improvements were shaped by input from local residents through a series of public meetings hosted in partnership with Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. This collaboration ensured that the upgrades reflect the needs and desires of the surrounding community.
Funding the Transformation
The Chapel Hill Park project is partially funded by the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant, which is helping to upgrade 42 parks across the city as part of a historic $140 million investment in the Indy Parks system. A portion of the 2025 Indy Parks capital budget is also allocated to the renovations.
City Councilor Jessica McCormick, who represents District 16, underscored the impact of this investment on the west side community.
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“Chapel Hill Park is more than just a green space—it’s a gathering place where neighbors come together, families make memories, and our community thrives,” said McCormick. “This investment ensures that Westside residents have access to high-quality recreational spaces that promote wellness, play, and connection. I’m proud to support these improvements and look forward to seeing Chapel Hill Park become a true destination for our community.”
A Larger Push for Park Revitalization
Chapel Hill Park is just one of several west side parks receiving major upgrades. Recent investments include:
• A $10.8 million renovation of Krannert Park’s Family Center, which was completed in January 2024 and included a new indoor pool.
• A new playground for Krannert Park, part of a $3.1 million Lilly Endowment Grant project that will launch later this year.
• Improvements to ten additional area parks, all contributing to a $25 million investment in west side parks.
“Indy Parks is investing in parks of all sizes in communities all across the city,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “Thanks to the Lilly Endowment Grant and historic levels of city funding, we’re able to provide generational investments in our city parks that need it the most on an unprecedented scale.”
Looking Ahead
Construction at Chapel Hill Park is expected to be completed in 2026, bringing long-awaited recreational upgrades to the community. As part of its ongoing efforts to support parks and programming, Indy Parks is currently hiring for summer jobs across the city, with positions including lifeguards, camp counselors, park inspectors, and cashiers.
Interested applicants can earn a starting wage of $13 per hour and qualify for a $500 sign-on bonus if hired before April 4. After that date, the bonus will drop to $250.
With continued investments and a focus on community-driven development, Indy Parks is ensuring that neighborhood parks remain vital spaces for recreation, connection, and growth.
