Indianapolis, Indiana – A leadership change is underway at Indy Parks as the department advances a sweeping wave of improvements across Indianapolis. On Monday, Parks Director Brittany Crone announced that longtime city employee Andre Denman has been promoted to Deputy Director for Park Planning, Construction & Facility Maintenance.
Denman steps into the role after serving as Administrator of Park Planning. His history with the city stretches back more than two decades, beginning in 2001. He joined Indy Parks in 2006 and has since been closely involved in shaping projects that touch neighborhoods across the city.
Crone said Denman has been instrumental in the redevelopment and growth of many of Indianapolis’ most cherished green spaces. She noted that his work has directly supported park expansions and upgrades that residents now use every day. In his new role, she said, Denman will continue advancing improvements that strengthen quality of life while helping guide the department’s long-term plans.
The promotion comes at a pivotal time. Indy Parks has moved forward with more than $150 million in park improvements in recent years. Looking ahead, construction of new amenities is expected at 43 parks in 2026 alone, nearly one-fifth of the city’s 218 parks. The scope of that work underscores the scale of responsibility Denman now assumes, overseeing planning, building, and facility maintenance across a vast system.
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He replaces former Deputy Director Don Colvin, who dedicated 35 years to planning roles within Indy Parks and the city. Colvin’s tenure helped shape the department’s growth over decades, and Denman now takes the reins as a new chapter begins.
Denman brings more than 33 years of professional experience spanning both private and public sectors. His background includes community and neighborhood planning, landscape architecture, and the development of parks, trails, and greenways. A graduate of Ball State University’s Landscape Architecture Program, he was also among the founding charter members of the university’s chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architectural Students.
Beyond his professional work, Denman remains active in his community. He serves as an associate minister at Living Word Baptist Church and has been a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity since 1989. A graduate of Warren Central High School, he has been married to Angela Drain-Denman for 30 years. Together, they have two daughters, Naomi and Nia.
As Indy Parks continues an ambitious period of construction and renewal, Denman’s appointment signals continuity, and momentum, in a department that is reshaping public spaces citywide.
