Design plans laid out for Riverside Park improvements

Indianapolis’ second largest park is undergoing major changes and community members got their first look this week. 

Two key improvement projects at Riverside Regional Park were highlighted during an open house on Thursday.

Master plans for the park were laid out in 2017 and today ideas are becoming reality, thanks to an $11 million investment from Indianapolis's Circle City Forward Initiative. About $6 million goes to enhancements on land that used to be a golf course.

Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd said the course closed in 2019 and the land has already changed.

“With the golf course it was all manicured and short, but with the grass waving, it’s a totally different landscape and it’s really beautiful,” Boyd said.

The 200-acre greenspace, dubbed Riverside Adventure Park, is the result of years of planning and community engagement.

“It’s an adventure in the sense of getting out and discovering things,” Boyd said.

The money will help improve trail networks, add accessible parking, a nature playground, archery and fitness courses.

At the open house, design renderings highlighted amenities, while residents provided feedback.

Tours of the land were given by young people from nonprofit Groundwork Indy.   Zachary Reed grew up on the west side and said the improvements are needed.   

“Something we can access, actually use,” Reed said “definitely makes a huge difference.”    

The other large project at Riverside Park is the Promenade on the south end of the park.  It will improve the trail system from 30th to 16th streets with art, culture and education enhancements.

A Concept Plan finalized last year provides a road map for phased implementation of improvements at Riverside Adventure Park.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.