Indianapolis, Indiana – A long-awaited transformation has officially arrived for families and residents of Franklin Township. On Wednesday morning, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined Indy Parks officials and community members to cut the ribbon on a $2.8 million revitalization of Franklin Township Community Park — a project that marks another major milestone in the city’s push to expand and modernize neighborhood recreation spaces.
What was once a modest community park surrounded by open fields has now been reimagined as a vibrant, multi-use destination designed to serve all ages. The renovation includes an all-new playground, brand-new pickleball and basketball courts, paved walking trails, and numerous other upgrades across the park’s 99-acre landscape.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, we are building better public spaces for generations to come here in Indianapolis,” said Mayor Hogsett. “For our neighbors in Franklin Township, these new park improvements represent a real, material change in how they enjoy their neighborhood and raise their families.”
The project’s unveiling drew dozens of local families, civic leaders, and Indy Parks staff, who watched as children eagerly explored the colorful new playground for the first time. The sounds of bouncing basketballs and pickleball volleys soon followed, signaling the community’s immediate embrace of the revitalized space.
Franklin Township Community Park, now the second-largest park in the township, has long been a hub for local sports and family gatherings. With multiple soccer, baseball, softball, and football fields adjacent to Franklin Central High School, the park already served as a cornerstone for youth recreation. The new investments, however, have transformed it into a fully integrated community center for outdoor activity and connection.
“This renovation is more than just a facelift,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “It’s a reflection of what happens when we come together with a shared vision for the future. We are thrilled to unveil these new vibrant amenities that will provide enriching experiences for our residents.”
The improvements were made possible through a portion of the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant, one of the largest single investments ever made in the city’s parks system. Indy Parks reports that more than 90 percent of the projects funded by this grant have either been completed, are under construction, or are in final design stages.
Franklin Township’s project is one of several major park improvements happening across Indianapolis’ southern townships. Five additional parks — Southside, Tolin Akeman, Southwestway, Perry, and Thompson — are also seeing significant upgrades, many of which are already underway.
At Southside Park, crews are installing new pickleball and basketball courts, walkways, and a modern playground. That park is temporarily closed, with reopening expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Nearby, Tolin Akeman Park is undergoing a full renovation that includes trail improvements, new play areas, and additional pickleball courts, all targeted for completion by 2026.
One of Indy’s largest green spaces, Southwestway Park, will soon receive a new playground and restroom facility, with construction set to begin late next year. Importantly, the park’s popular hiking and biking areas will remain open throughout construction.
Meanwhile, Perry Park will see a new playground funded through the Lilly Endowment grant, along with resurfaced hardcourts financed by the city’s 2025 Spring Fiscal Budget. Construction there is expected to start by the end of 2025.
Finally, Thompson Park — selected by Councilor Mike Dilk as part of the city’s $1 million Parks or DPW District Project Initiative — will feature new trails, a playground, and site enhancements. That project is already in progress and scheduled for completion in 2026.
For Franklin Township residents, the improvements are more than just about new amenities — they symbolize renewed investment in the community’s future.
“Franklin Township Community Park has always been a place where families come together,” said City-County Councilor Brian Mowery. “These new upgrades reflect our shared commitment to keeping Franklin Township a great place to live, raise a family, and stay connected to our neighbors. I am proud to see this kind of investment right here at home.”
The celebration also highlighted how Indy Parks is reshaping public spaces across the city. More than 40 percent of Indianapolis’ 218 parks are currently being upgraded, part of a sweeping effort to improve accessibility, safety, and recreational quality.
City leaders emphasized that this surge of development represents one of the most ambitious park modernization initiatives in Indianapolis history. Beyond the Lilly Endowment’s contributions, the 2026 city budget maintains Indy Parks’ $5.8 million annual Capital Improvement Budget, ensuring consistent funding for maintenance and upgrades. An additional $6 million in city funds from the 2025 Spring Fiscal and Councilor-led initiatives will further support local park projects and infrastructure.
Mayor Hogsett praised the ongoing partnerships between public and private sectors that make such large-scale revitalization possible. By combining philanthropic support with municipal resources, the city has been able to accelerate progress across multiple neighborhoods at once.
At the same time, Indy Parks officials encouraged residents to stay informed about construction schedules and upcoming projects through the department’s official website, which provides real-time updates on closures and reopening dates.
The city’s commitment to revitalizing its park system will continue later this week. Indy Parks is scheduled to host another major event — the groundbreaking for Sahm Park improvements — on Friday, October 17, at 1:30 p.m.
For now, though, the focus remains on Franklin Township, where residents can already see the results of years of planning and collaboration. As children climb, swing, and run across the new playground, and adults test their skills on the fresh pickleball courts, the park stands as a vivid reminder of what investment and community partnership can achieve.
In the words of Mayor Hogsett, these improvements are not just about recreation — they are about building a stronger, more connected Indianapolis “for generations to come.”
