Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis city leaders gathered on the near northside this week to mark a new chapter for one of the city’s most historic public spaces. Mayor Joe Hogsett, joined by City-County Councilor Ron Gibson and leaders from Indy Parks, officially unveiled a $3.5 million set of improvements at Washington Park, delivering long-awaited upgrades for families in Martindale-Brightwood and beyond.
The project, which includes a brand-new playground, splash pad, shelter, comfort station, event lawn, and expanded parking, represents a significant investment in a park that has long been a cultural landmark in Indianapolis. The funding comes as part of the $80 million Lilly Endowment grant announced in 2023, a transformative contribution that is reshaping dozens of parks across the city.
“Washington Park has been a cultural cornerstone of Indianapolis for over a century now,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “And with upgrades like these—a new playground, splash pad, and more—we are carrying this park’s legacy into the future, ensuring that our residents will enjoy this treasured greenspace for generations to come.”
A Historic Park Reimagined
Washington Park’s story stretches back more than 100 years, with deep ties to Indianapolis’s cultural and sporting history. The grounds were once home to baseball fields for the Indianapolis Indians and the legendary Indianapolis ABCs of the Negro Leagues. Decades later, the park became the first home of the Indianapolis Zoo, cementing its place as a destination for recreation and community life. Today, the park serves as a vital hub for Martindale-Brightwood families, and city leaders say the new amenities reflect both respect for that history and commitment to its future.
Councilor Ron Gibson emphasized the importance of the project not only for recreation but also for strengthening neighborhood connections. “Washington Park has long been a place where culture, connection, and community come together. I am proud to see these investments take shape and support the park’s growth, creating a more welcoming space for families, kids, and neighbors. Enhancing quality of life through projects like this ensures our communities have safe, vibrant places to gather, play, and grow for years to come.”
Transformative Investment Across the City
The upgrades at Washington Park are part of something much bigger. In late 2022, Lilly Endowment awarded $80 million to Indy Parks for improvements across 42 different sites. That funding, city officials note, is 14 times greater than the parks department’s typical annual capital budget. Combined with $16.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, the investment will result in more than 40 percent of all Indy Parks playgrounds being replaced by 2026.
The changes at Washington Park are among the first to be completed, showcasing what is possible when city resources are paired with large-scale philanthropic support. For local residents, the improvements mean easier access to safe, modern spaces where children can play, families can gather, and neighbors can connect.
“At its core, this project is about connecting history to the present, connecting neighbors to one another, and connecting the next generation of Martindale-Brightwood youth to opportunities for growth,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone.
Community Benefits
While the full scope of improvements will unfold over the coming years, Washington Park’s new features are already making an impact. The playground has been replaced with modern equipment designed for accessibility and safety. The new event lawn provides an open space for gatherings and celebrations, while the comfort station and shelter expand opportunities for family outings and community programming.
The splash pad, a major highlight of the project, is still undergoing final water-safety testing but is expected to open soon. Once operational, it will provide children with a safe and fun way to cool off during Indiana’s hot summer months.
For Martindale-Brightwood residents, many of whom have long relied on Washington Park as a neighborhood anchor, these changes reaffirm the city’s commitment to public spaces as vital resources. By combining recreation with community-building opportunities, leaders hope to ensure that the park continues serving as a gathering place for generations to come.
Looking Forward
Mayor Hogsett framed the upgrades as part of a broader vision for equitable investment across Indianapolis. Parks, he noted, are more than just green spaces—they are central to quality of life, economic growth, and neighborhood stability. By revitalizing Washington Park and others across the system, the city is creating environments where residents feel proud and connected to their communities.
The opening of the new amenities also signals progress on a promise made in 2023 when the Lilly Endowment grant was first announced at Washington Park. What began as a historic funding commitment has now taken visible form in one of Indianapolis’s most storied parks, with more improvements soon to follow in other neighborhoods.
Residents can now visit Washington Park and see the difference for themselves. Though the splash pad will open once testing is complete, the playground, shelter, parking, and event lawn are fully operational and ready for public use.
As Indy Parks looks ahead to additional projects, city leaders are encouraging residents to stay informed and engaged. Information about ongoing and upcoming upgrades is available at parks.indy.gov, where updates from across the park system are regularly posted.
For a park that once hosted professional baseball and served as the city’s first zoo, the next era of Washington Park looks equally promising. With fresh amenities, a renewed sense of purpose, and a commitment to honoring its past, Washington Park is set to remain a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s community life for decades to come.
