Indianapolis, Indiana – As 2025 draws to a close, Indy Parks is taking stock of a year defined by large-scale investment, steady progress, and expanding access to public spaces across Indianapolis. City officials say the department’s work over the past twelve months has not only reshaped individual parks but has also laid the groundwork for what is expected to be one of the most active construction seasons in the system’s history in 2026.
According to Indy Parks, more than $150 million in park improvement projects have either been completed, launched, or advanced during 2025. The impact of that investment is visible across the city, from neighborhood playgrounds to destination parks that serve residents well beyond their immediate surroundings. Looking ahead, officials confirmed that 43 city parks are expected to see construction on new amenities in 2026, representing nearly one-fifth of Indianapolis’ 218 parks.
Much of the momentum seen this year stems from the completion of major projects funded through the city’s Circle City Forward Initiative. These investments were designed to modernize park infrastructure, expand recreational access, and address long-standing gaps in park equity.
One of the most prominent achievements came in May, when the city celebrated the completion of Riverside Adventure Park. The $13 million project transformed a 180-acre portion of Riverside Park into a multi-use outdoor destination, featuring more than four miles of new trails, a nature-themed playground, modern restrooms, and a mix of pavilions and shelters. Officials describe the project as a turning point for the west side park, which now offers a broader range of activities for families, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Planning is already underway for the next phase, with an archery range expected to move forward in 2026.
That same month, Indy Parks opened the Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center on the city’s far east side, marking the department’s first full-service center in that area. Alongside the new building, the park debuted a nature playground that has become the largest playground in Indianapolis. City leaders view Grassy Creek as both a recreational hub and an environmental education space, and the site will continue to play a role in long-term planning. In 2026, Indy Parks plans to gather public input at Grassy Creek as part of the broader Park Master Plan process, including a public meeting scheduled for December 16.
Beyond Circle City Forward, 2025 also marked significant progress toward completing the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant, one of the largest philanthropic investments in the city’s park system. As of December, 39 projects funded through the grant had been awarded contracts, entered construction, or reached completion.
Several high-profile renovations wrapped up this year. Washington Park reopened in August following a $3.5 million renovation that introduced a new central playground, a splash pad, and an event shelter. On the north side, Holliday Park unveiled a new flagship playground in the fall of 2025. That $6 million project was made possible through the Lilly Endowment Grant and additional fundraising by the Holliday Park Foundation, creating a signature play space intended to serve generations of families.
At Garfield Park, long-awaited improvements to the historic Sunken Gardens moved closer to completion. Construction and testing of the iconic fountains concluded in late 2025 under the oversight of the Friends of Garfield Park. While the fountains were winterized before year’s end, they are expected to reopen to the public in spring 2026, restoring a beloved feature of one of the city’s most recognizable parks.
On the south side, residents saw tangible improvements with the opening of Franklin Township Community Park in October. The $2.8 million renovation added a new playground, trails, shelters, and pickleball and basketball courts. Nearby, Southside Park is scheduled to open once weather conditions allow, completing a $2 million project that similarly expanded recreation options with new courts, a playground, and a shelter.
Smaller neighborhood parks also benefited from federal funding in 2025. Indy Parks completed construction on 20 playgrounds funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, targeting small and medium-sized parks across the city. When combined with playgrounds funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant, the department is now in the process of replacing more than 40 percent of the city’s 130 playgrounds, a milestone officials say will dramatically improve safety and accessibility.
Additional city and community-funded projects added further momentum throughout the year. In April, city leaders broke ground on the $6.8 million MLK Gateway Project, a transformational renovation honoring the site where Senator Robert Kennedy delivered his historic speech announcing the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Construction is scheduled for completion in April 2026, with the goal of elevating the space as both a memorial and a place for reflection.
Sports and community pride also shaped new investments. In recognition of Indianapolis hosting the WNBA All-Star Game in 2025, Indy Parks partnered with the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee to construct the Al Polin WNBA All Star Legacy Court. The project includes a new basketball court, along with plans for a playground and updated walkways when construction wraps up in early 2026.
City County Council members also directed funding to neighborhood parks, selecting projects that reflect local priorities. Canterbury Park, backed by Councilor Barth, is slated to receive a new playground, volleyball court, pump track, and additional site improvements, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. Robey Park, supported by Councilor Wells, will see a new shelter, hard courts, and trail upgrades. Thompson Park, under Councilor Dilk’s direction, began construction in fall 2025 on a new playground and improved trails and courts, with completion anticipated in summer 2026. At WISH Park, a project funded through a combination of the Lilly Endowment and Councilor Robinson’s allocation will add a new playground, parking lot, shelter, and site amenities, with construction beginning in late 2025 and finishing in fall 2026.
While bricks-and-mortar projects drew much attention in 2025, Indy Parks officials emphasize that programming and services remained a central focus throughout the year. The department offered more than 2,400 programs aimed at meeting essential needs and enhancing quality of life for residents of all ages.
The Indy Parks food program played an especially critical role during the longest federal government shutdown in the fall of 2025. As SNAP benefits were frozen, the department expanded efforts to address food insecurity through initiatives such as Drive and Dish, which allows residents to order groceries online and pick them up at park centers. Food pantries and free meal services also helped fill gaps for families facing sudden shortages.
Aquatics programming rebounded strongly in 2025, following several challenging years. Staffing levels returned to pre-pandemic numbers, with 279 seasonal aquatics employees hired. This allowed pools to open earlier than in recent summers and remain open more consistently. Indy Parks also continued its multi-year effort to expand splash pad access, with four additional splash pads in development. Once completed, the city will have 27 splash pads, improving access to water-based recreation across neighborhoods.
Youth programming remained another cornerstone. More than 4,200 children participated in Indy Parks summer camps at 17 locations citywide. Officials say these camps provided affordable, structured activities during the summer months, offering support to working families while giving young participants opportunities for learning and social connection.
Cultural programming rounded out the year, with Indy Parks hosting more than 50 free concerts through its Summer and Winter Concert Series. The performances showcased local artists and a wide range of musical styles, drawing residents into parks during every season.
As Indy Parks looks ahead to 2026, department leaders say the coming construction season will build on the progress of 2025 while continuing to balance physical improvements with programs that meet everyday needs. With dozens of projects scheduled to break ground and thousands of residents relying on park services, the year ahead is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious chapters yet in the city’s ongoing investment in public spaces.
