Indianapolis, Indiana – As 2025 comes to a close, Indy Parks is taking stock of one of the most active and transformative years in the department’s history. With more than $150 million invested in park improvements, expanded programs, and essential services, the agency is also looking ahead to a historic 2026 construction season that will touch nearly one in five city parks.
Officials say the scale of work completed in 2025 reflects years of planning, community input, and coordinated funding from city, federal, and philanthropic sources. At the same time, the department is preparing for an even busier year ahead, with 43 parks expected to see construction on new amenities in 2026. That represents nearly 20 percent of Indianapolis’ 218 parks.
A year defined by historic investments
Much of the progress in 2025 stems from the completion of major projects funded through the Circle City Forward Initiative. These investments focused on expanding access to outdoor recreation, improving aging infrastructure, and ensuring more neighborhoods benefit from high-quality park amenities.
One of the most visible milestones came in May with the opening of Riverside Adventure Park. The $13 million project transformed a 180-acre section of Riverside Park into a destination for outdoor exploration. The redevelopment added more than four miles of new trails, a nature-themed playground, updated restrooms, and multiple pavilions and shelters.
The project marked a major shift in how the park is used, turning underutilized land into a space designed for walking, biking, and family recreation. Plans are already underway to build on that momentum. In 2026, Indy Parks is scheduled to begin work on adding an archery range to the Adventure Park, further expanding its offerings.
Also in May, Indy Parks celebrated another first with the opening of the Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center on the city’s far east side. The new center gave the area its first Indy Parks facility and introduced what is now the largest playground in the city. The nature-based play area has quickly become a focal point for families in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, Indy Parks plans to use Grassy Creek as a hub for continued engagement. In 2026, the department will gather public input as part of the Park Master Plan process, including a public meeting scheduled for December 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center.
Progress on the Lilly Endowment Grant
In parallel with Circle City Forward projects, Indy Parks made major strides in 2025 toward completing work funded by the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant. As of December, 39 grant-funded projects had been awarded contracts, entered construction, or reached completion.
Several high-profile projects wrapped up during the year. Washington Park reopened in August following a $3.5 million renovation that added a new central playground, a splash pad, and an event shelter. The improvements were designed to make the park more welcoming to families while preserving its role as a community gathering space.
At Holliday Park, a $6 million playground project opened in fall 2025. Additional fundraising by the Holliday Park Foundation helped elevate the project, resulting in what Indy Parks now considers a flagship playground for the system.
Garfield Park’s Sunken Gardens also reached an important milestone. Construction and testing of the long-awaited fountain restoration were completed in late 2025 under the oversight of the Friends of Garfield Park. While the fountains were winterized shortly after testing, they are scheduled to open to the public in spring 2026.
On the city’s south side, Franklin Township Community Park reopened in October after a $2.8 million renovation. The project delivered a new playground, updated trails, a shelter, and new pickleball and basketball courts, giving residents expanded options for recreation close to home.
Another south side project, Southside Park, is scheduled to open in December, weather permitting. The $2 million investment added a new playground, shelter, and courts, continuing the department’s focus on equitable access to amenities.
Rebuilding playgrounds across the city
Beyond large destination parks, Indy Parks continued its effort to modernize neighborhood playgrounds. In 2025, the department completed construction on 20 playgrounds funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. These upgrades targeted small and medium-sized parks throughout the city.
When combined with projects supported by the Lilly Endowment Grant, Indy Parks is now in the process of replacing more than 40 percent of the city’s 130 playgrounds. Officials say the work addresses long-standing safety concerns while also incorporating more inclusive and accessible designs.
City and community partnerships shape the future
Several projects underway or completed in 2025 were made possible through city funding and community partnerships. In April, city leaders broke ground on the $6.8 million MLK Gateway Project, a transformation of the site where Senator Robert Kennedy delivered his historic speech announcing the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The renovation aims to elevate the site’s historical significance while creating a space for reflection and education. Construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.
Indy Parks also partnered with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee to build the Al Polin WNBA All Star Legacy Court. The project recognizes Indianapolis’ role as host of the WNBA All-Star Game and includes a new basketball court at Al Polin Park. Additional improvements, including a new playground and walkways, are expected to be finished in early 2026.
City-County Councilors also played a role in directing investments. In late 2024, four councilors selected parks in their districts to receive $1 million each for targeted improvements.
At Canterbury Park, selected by Councilor Barth, construction on a new playground, volleyball court, pump track, and other site upgrades is scheduled to begin in early 2026. Robey Park, chosen by Councilor Wells, is set to receive a new shelter, upgraded courts, and trail improvements starting in early 2026.
Work at Thompson Park, supported by Councilor Dilk, began in fall 2025. The project includes a new playground and improved trails and courts, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. At WISH Park, Councilor Robinson’s project combines Lilly Endowment funding with council-directed dollars to add a new playground, parking lot, shelter, and other amenities. Construction there will begin in late 2025 and continue through fall 2026.
Programs and services reach thousands
While construction projects dominated much of the public attention, 2025 was also a major year for Indy Parks programs and services. The department offered more than 2,400 programs aimed at improving quality of life and meeting essential needs for Indianapolis residents.
The Indy Parks food program played a particularly important role during the longest federal government shutdown in the fall of 2025. With SNAP benefits frozen, many families faced unexpected food insecurity.
Through initiatives like the Drive and Dish program, residents were able to order groceries online and pick them up at park centers. Indy Parks also supported food pantries and free meal services, helping fill a critical gap for residents during a difficult period.
Aquatics programs also saw a strong rebound in 2025. Staffing levels returned to pre-pandemic numbers, with 279 seasonal aquatics staff hired. That recovery allowed pools to open earlier in the summer than in recent years, expanding access during peak months.
At the same time, the department continued its multi-year effort to expand splash pad access. Four additional splash pads are currently in development, a move that will bring the citywide total to 27 once completed.
Summer camps remained a cornerstone of Indy Parks programming. In 2025, more than 4,200 youth participated in camps held at 17 park locations across the city. The programs offered families affordable, enriching options for children during the summer months, while also providing safe spaces for learning and recreation.
Indy Parks also continued to highlight local talent through its concert offerings. More than 50 free concerts were hosted through the Summer and Winter Concert Series, featuring a wide range of genres and artists from across the region.
Looking ahead to a landmark year
As 2026 approaches, Indy Parks officials say the coming construction season will be one of the most ambitious in the department’s history. With work planned in 43 parks, residents across Indianapolis can expect to see visible changes in their neighborhoods.
Department leaders emphasize that the scale of investment reflects a long-term commitment to parks as essential infrastructure. From playgrounds and trails to food programs and summer camps, Indy Parks’ 2025 accomplishments highlight how public spaces serve as both recreational hubs and vital community resources.
With dozens of projects set to break ground or reach completion in 2026, the department says the work ahead will continue to focus on access, equity, and the everyday needs of Indianapolis residents.
