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.
