New playgrounds planned using federal money

The city of Indianapolis will make improvements at 27 parks using $16.5 million in federal funds.

The American Rescue Plan funding will be used to replace playgrounds and improve basketball and tennis courts across the city.  The Indianapolis City-County council voted unanimously to spend the money at parks that were most in need of renovations.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said parks serve as important places for youth to play, adults to exercise and communities to unite.

“I believe the better our city can maintain our parks, the better they can serve these basic functions,” Hogsett said.

The federal funding will also help facilitate Wi-Fi services at 20 parks through a new pilot program.

Indianapolis Principal Park Planner Andre Denman said parks can improve quality of life.

“Playgrounds are not only valuable physical spaces but they also offer safe and engaging places for children to use their imagination while spending time with loved ones and friends,” Denman said.

Indy Parks operates more than 200 parks.

The playgrounds and courts that will benefit from this round of funding include:

• Bluff Park
• Bowman Park
• Brookside Memorial Grove
• Brookside Park
• Centennial & Groff Park
• Christina Oaks Park
• Clayton & LaSalle Park
• Denver Park
• Forest Manor Park
• Frank Young Park
• Gateway West Park
• Gustafson Park
• John Ed Park
• Lentz Park
• McCarty Triangle Park
• Municipal Gardens
• Orange Park
• Oscar Charleston Park
• Porter Park
• Pride Park
• Ringgold Park
• Ross Claypool Park
• Sexson Park
• Stacy Park
• Washington Park
• Watkins Park
• Willard Park

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