Coach Nell

The project, first announced in 2023, will bring tennis and pickleball courts, a walking path and a multi-use football and soccer field to the park. The city says it expects to complete the project by early next year.

City breaks ground on Tarkington Park improvements, named for beloved football coach

Jeremy Reuben

Community leaders broke ground Tuesday on a $3 million project to bring improvements to Tarkington Park, located west of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The Indy Steelers, community members and city officials were all present during the Stop the Violence Peace Rally in honor of Richard Donnell ‘Coach Nell’ Hamilton Sr. on August 4, 2023 at Tarkington Park near central Indianapolis.

Arts & Culture

Remembering Coach Nell: A legacy of love, mentorship and football

Noral Parham – Indianapolis Recorder

One year ago Indianapolis lost a beloved figure, Richard “Coach Nell” Hamilton Sr. More than just a football coach, Coach Nell was a mentor, father figure and pillar of the Butler Tarkington and Crown Hill community.

Dontaye Hamilton speaks about his father at parks meeting online.

Local News

Coach who mentored hundreds of youth through football honored with park naming

Jill Sheridan

The field where Richard Donnell Hamilton spent years mentoring and coaching the Indy Steelers youth football team will now bear his name.