List of parks in Indianapolis facts for kids
This list of parks in Indianapolis provides a general overview of parkland in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
Most parks are managed by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, also known as Indy Parks. In 2020, there were 212 city parks, four state-owned parks, and numerous privately-managed parks, plazas, gardens, and nature preserves.
Municipal parks
Indianapolis’s 212 municipal parks cover 11,258 acres (4,556 ha) and feature some 129 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 153 miles (246 km) of recreational trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 21 spraygrounds, 19 aquatic centers, 13 golf courses, and four dog parks.
| Name | Image | Est. | Size ac (ha) |
Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acton Park |  |
2004 | 23 acres (9.3 ha) | 39°39′43″N 85°58′20″W / 39.6620°N 85.9723°W | |
| Al E. Polin Park | 1973 | 1.6 acres (0.65 ha) | 39°48′27″N 86°09′17″W / 39.8075°N 86.1546°W | ||
| Alice Carter Place | 1922 | 1.36 acres (0.55 ha) | 39°51′27″N 86°09′27″W / 39.8574°N 86.1576°W | ||
| Andrew Ramsey Park | 1971 | 2.1 acres (0.85 ha) | 39°49′57″N 86°09′54″W / 39.8325°N 86.1649°W | ||
| Arsenal Park | 1921 | 12.3 acres (5.0 ha) | 39°50′29″N 86°08′10″W / 39.8415°N 86.1362°W | ||
| Babe Denny Park | 1923 | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) | 39°45′19″N 86°09′51″W / 39.7552°N 86.1643°W | ||
| Barton Park | 1946 | 6.1 acres (2.5 ha) | 39°48′01″N 86°09′45″W / 39.8002°N 86.1625°W | ||
| Basswood Park | 2003 | 6.93 acres (2.80 ha) | 39°41′00″N 86°03′30″W / 39.6833°N 86.0582°W | ||
| Beckwith Memorial Park | 1970 | 5.2 acres (2.1 ha) | 39°48′44″N 86°07′23″W / 39.8121°N 86.1230°W | Beckwith Memorial Park features basketball courts, benches, a football field, a playground, and a shelter. Originally named Salem Village Park, it was renamed to honor Frank R. Beckwith, the first African American in Indiana to run as a major party candidate in a presidential primary. | |
| Bel-Aire Park | 2002 | 14.7 acres (5.9 ha) | 39°43′24″N 86°12′59″W / 39.7232°N 86.2164°W | ||
| Bellamy Park | 1962 | 7 acres (2.8 ha) | 39°49′25″N 85°59′59″W / 39.8236°N 85.9996°W | ||
| Bertha Ross Park | 1925 | 15.4 acres (6.2 ha) | 39°49′13″N 86°10′52″W / 39.8203°N 86.1812°W | ||
| Beville Park | 1959 | 0.25 acres (0.10 ha) | 39°46′23″N 86°07′24″W / 39.773°N 86.1233°W | ||
| Blickman Educational Trail Park | 2005 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°52′26″N 86°09′15″W / 39.873782°N 86.154224°W | ||
| Bluff Park | 1946 | 10.4 acres (4.2 ha) | 39°42′24″N 86°10′09″W / 39.7068°N 86.1692°W | ||
| Bowman Park | 1959 | 4.8 acres (1.9 ha) | 39°49′14″N 86°14′42″W / 39.8206°N 86.2449°W | ||
| Brightwood Park | 1918 | 0.9 acres (0.36 ha) | 39°48′03″N 86°06′27″W / 39.8009°N 86.1074°W | ||
| Broad Ripple Park | 1946 | 56.2 acres (22.7 ha) | 39°52′16″N 86°07′51″W / 39.8712°N 86.1309°W | Broad Ripple Park features athletic fields, a baseball diamond, a boat ramp, a dog park, a family center, an outdoor swimming pool, picnic tables, a playground, shelters, tennis courts, trails, and woods. It is situated along the White River. The park was the original site of White City Amuseument Park and the Broad Ripple Park Carousel (now housed at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis). It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Broadway & 29th Park | 1985 | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) | 39°48′33″N 86°08′49″W / 39.8093°N 86.1470°W | ||
| Brookside Park |  |
1898 | 99.6 acres (40.3 ha) | 39°47′26″N 86°06′35″W / 39.7905°N 86.1096°W | Brookside Park features ball diamonds, basketball courts, a disc golf course, a family center, a football field, open space, an outdoor swimming pool, paved trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, shelters, and tennis courts. The park is included in the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Brown's Corner Park | 3.22 acres (1.30 ha) | 39°46′14″N 86°05′03″W / 39.7705°N 86.0842°W | |||
| Canterbury Park | 1959 | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) | 39°51′15″N 86°08′25″W / 39.8541°N 86.1403°W | ||
| Carroll & 42nd Park | 2014 | 19.6 acres (7.9 ha) | 39°49′55″N 85°57′15″W / 39.8319°N 85.9543°W | ||
| Carson Park | 1964 | 25.4 acres (10.3 ha) | 39°41′07″N 86°15′59″W / 39.6854°N 86.2664°W | ||
| Centennial & 20th Park | 1946 | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) | 39°47′36″N 86°12′48″W / 39.7932°N 86.2133°W | ||
| Centennial & Groff Park | 1926 | 3.6 acres (1.5 ha) | 39°47′56″N 86°12′49″W / 39.7990°N 86.2135°W | ||
| Central Greens | 2015 | 8.40 acres (3.40 ha) | 39°46′03″N 86°12′52″W / 39.7674°N 86.2145°W | Central Greens is a track and field facility on a portion of the former Central State Hospital campus. | |
| Century Park | 2010 | 28.13 acres (11.38 ha) | 39°43′25″N 86°01′28″W / 39.7235°N 86.0244°W | ||
| Chapel Hill Park | 1946 | 4.9 acres (2.0 ha) | 39°46′35″N 86°17′19″W / 39.7764°N 86.2886°W | ||
| Charles L. Whistler Memorial Plaza |  |
1977 | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) | 39°46′07″N 86°09′14″W / 39.7687°N 86.1539°W | Charles L. Whistler Memorial Plaza features the Sun King Market District Stage, benches, planters, moveable tables and chairs, and an original archway from Tomlinson Hall. The plaza is located on the west side of Indianapolis City Market and was named to honor civic leader Charles L. Whistler in 1987. The plaza is maintained by the Indianapolis–Marion County Building Authority. |
| Christian Park | 1921 | 73.1 acres (29.6 ha) | 39°45′40″N 86°05′45″W / 39.7610°N 86.0959°W | ||
| Christina Oaks Park | 1971 | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) | 39°45′26″N 86°14′06″W / 39.7573°N 86.2350°W | ||
| Chuck Klein Sports Complex | 1983 | 21.8 acres (8.8 ha) | 39°45′59″N 86°14′25″W / 39.7663°N 86.2402°W | ||
| Clayton & LaSalle Park | 1972 | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) | 39°45′41″N 86°06′31″W / 39.7615°N 86.1087°W | ||
| Cloverleaf Conservation Area | 1999 | 19 acres (7.7 ha) | 39°45′49″N 86°18′32″W / 39.7635°N 86.3090°W | ||
| Colorado & 29th Park | 2006 | 5.20 acres (2.10 ha) | 39°48′28″N 86°05′41″W / 39.8077°N 86.0948°W | ||
| Colts Canal Playspace | 2018 | 1 acre (0.40 ha) | 39°46′38″N 86°09′52″W / 39.7773°N 86.1644°W | Colts Canal Playspace, located adjacent to the Canal Walk and Indianapolis Cultural Trail, features an accessible playground, benches, and shade structures. It is the first public playground in downtown Indianapolis. | |
| Commons Park | 2018 | 0.25 acres (0.10 ha) | 39°46′17″N 86°07′26″W / 39.7715°N 86.1239°W | Commons Park features benches, a grill, a ping-pong table, and a playground. | |
| Copper Grove Park | 2007 | 10.55 acres (4.27 ha) | 39°42′05″N 86°03′01″W / 39.7014°N 86.0504°W | ||
| Dan Wakefield Park | 1928 | 2.7 acres (1.1 ha) | 39°51′54″N 86°08′51″W / 39.8649°N 86.1476°W | Dan Wakefield Park features a beach volleyball court, a playground, a shelter, a splash pad, and tennis courts. Originally named Broadway & 61st Park, it was renamed to honor author and journalist Dan Wakefield in 2016. | |
| Denver Park | 1925 | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) | 39°46′53″N 86°12′32″W / 39.7813°N 86.2090°W | ||
| Dequincy Park | 1953 | 0.58 acres (0.23 ha) | 39°47′37″N 86°05′18″W / 39.7937°N 86.0883°W | ||
| Dollar Hide Creek Park | 1965 | 17 acres (6.9 ha) | 39°40′36″N 86°15′07″W / 39.6766°N 86.2520°W | ||
| Doris Cowherd Park | 1956 | 2.6 acres (1.1 ha) | 39°49′51″N 86°04′38″W / 39.8307°N 86.0773°W | ||
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park | 1961 | 14.3 acres (5.8 ha) | 39°47′35″N 86°08′47″W / 39.7931°N 86.1465°W | ||
| Dubarry Park | 1967 | 26.9 acres (10.9 ha) | 39°49′16″N 86°00′58″W / 39.8211°N 86.0162°W | ||
| Eagle Creek Park | .jpg) |
1972 | 5,300 acres (2,100 ha) | 39°52′07″N 86°18′20″W / 39.868642°N 86.305676°W | Eagle Creek Park is the largest park in Indianapolis and among the largest municipal parks in the U.S. Features include a 1,400-acre (570 ha) reservoir, an amphitheater, a bait shop, a beach, a bird sanctuary, a dog park, the Mary and John Geisse Soccer Complex, a golf course, a marina, a nature center, three nature preserves, an ornithology center, a playground, two retreat centers, a rowing course, sailing club, shelters, sledding hills, trails, and a zip line course. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, pontoon boats, sailboats, and mountain bikes are rentable. Birdwatching, canoeing, cross-country skiing, cycling, fishing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, rowing, sailing, sledding, and swimming are popular recreational activities at the park. Eagle Creek is the only municipal park that requires an entrance fee. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Eagle Highlands Park | 1989 | 17.6 acres (7.1 ha) | 39°49′53″N 86°16′58″W / 39.8314°N 86.2827°W | ||
| Edna Balz Lacy Family Park | 1917 | 2 acres (0.81 ha) | 39°45′24″N 86°08′54″W / 39.7568°N 86.1484°W | Edna Balz Lacy Family Park features a beach volleyball court, a bocce ball court, picnic tables, a playground, a shelter, and a shuffleboard court. Originally named Greer Park, it was renamed to honor philanthropist Edna Balz Lacy in 1995. | |
| Ellenberger Park | 1911 | 37.4 acres (15.1 ha) | 39°46′36″N 86°04′35″W / 39.7766°N 86.0765°W | Ellenberger Park features athletic fields, ball diamonds, open space, an outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, a shelter, a sledding hill, tennis courts, trails, and a volleyball court. It also serves as the northern terminus of the Pleasant Run Greenway. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Elwood & Mary Black Park | 1946 | 2 acres (0.81 ha) | 39°49′58″N 86°10′25″W / 39.8329°N 86.1737°W | ||
| Emhardt Park | 1923 | 1.75 acres (0.71 ha) | 39°43′48″N 86°09′50″W / 39.7300°N 86.1639°W | ||
| Eva C. Talley Park | 2000 | 2.1 acres (0.85 ha) | 39°49′33″N 86°04′06″W / 39.8257°N 86.0684°W | ||
| Faculty Park | 1961 | 6 acres (2.4 ha) | 39°48′55″N 86°15′57″W / 39.8152°N 86.2659°W | ||
| Fall Creek & 30th Park | 1910 | 11.3 acres (4.6 ha) | 39°48′32″N 86°08′37″W / 39.8088°N 86.1436°W | ||
| Fall Creek Pkwy. Preserve | 12.11 acres (4.90 ha) | 39°51′27″N 86°04′54″W / 39.8574°N 86.0816°W | |||
| Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam | 64 acres (26 ha) | 39°54′37″N 85°59′23″W / 39.9103°N 85.9896°W | Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam features a trail and woods south of Geist Reservoir. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | ||
| Finch Park | 1988 | 0.9 acres (0.36 ha) | 39°45′21″N 86°07′49″W / 39.7557°N 86.1303°W | ||
| Five Points & Edgewood Park | 2011 | 34.68 acres (14.03 ha) | 39°41′02″N 86°02′45″W / 39.6839°N 86.0459°W | ||
| Forest Manor Park | 1937 | 18.1 acres (7.3 ha) | 39°47′37″N 86°05′54″W / 39.7936°N 86.0982°W | ||
| Fox Hill Manor Park | 1964 | 9.2 acres (3.7 ha) | 39°51′42″N 86°11′29″W / 39.8617°N 86.1913°W | ||
| Frank Young Park | 1922 | 0.72 acres (0.29 ha) | 39°48′26″N 86°10′43″W / 39.8071°N 86.1786°W | ||
| Frank & Judy O'Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park | 2003 | 10.5 acres (4.2 ha) | 39°47′13″N 86°08′28″W / 39.7870°N 86.1412°W | ||
| Franklin & 38th Park | 2004 | 12 acres (4.9 ha) | 39°49′34″N 86°01′27″W / 39.8261°N 86.0241°W | ||
| Franklin Township Community Park | 1970 | 99 acres (40 ha) | 39°40′46″N 86°00′33″W / 39.6795°N 86.0091°W | Franklin Township Community Park features ball diamonds, basketball courts, benches, open space, picnic tables, a playground, a shelter, soccer fields, trails, and woods. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Frederick Douglass Park | 1921 | 40 acres (16 ha) | 39°48′18″N 86°08′02″W / 39.8049°N 86.1338°W | ||
| Friedman Park | 1982 | 17.83 acres (7.22 ha) | 39°51′42″N 86°09′37″W / 39.8617°N 86.1603°W | ||
| Garfield Park |  |
1873 | 123 acres (50 ha) | 39°44′01″N 86°08′45″W / 39.733528°N 86.14573°W | Garfield Park is the oldest municipal park in Indianapolis. Features include the Burrello Family Center, MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, an aquatic center, ball diamonds, a basketball court, a community arts center, a conservatory and sunken gardens, football/soccer fields, a public library branch, playgrounds, shelters, sledding hill, statuary, tennis courts, and trails, notably Pleasant Run Greenway. Originally named Southern Park, it was renamed to honor President James A. Garfield in 1881. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Gardner Park | 1962 | 13.1 acres (5.3 ha) | 39°50′22″N 86°02′56″W / 39.8395°N 86.0490°W | ||
| Gateway West Park | 1963 | 4.9 acres (2.0 ha) | 39°49′46″N 86°16′00″W / 39.8295°N 86.2668°W | ||
| George E. Kessler Park | 2002 | 1.22 acres (0.49 ha) | 39°48′12″N 86°09′21″W / 39.8033°N 86.1559°W | ||
| Glenns Valley Nature Park | 1991 | 27 acres (11 ha) | 39°38′45″N 86°11′37″W / 39.6459°N 86.1937°W | Features include a nature center, open space, picnic tables, trails, and woods. A playground is shared with neighboring Glenns Valley Elementary School. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Grassy Creek Regional Park | 1971 | 242 acres (98 ha) | 39°48′49″N 85°58′45″W / 39.8136°N 85.9792°W | Established as German Church & 30th Park, it originally covered 41 acres (17 ha). A series of acquisitions since 2000 have brought the park to its current acreage. Features include a basketball court, a playground, a shelter, soccer fields, softball diamonds, a splash pad, tennis courts, and trails. Much of the acreage is undeveloped open space with some woods and wetlands. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Grassy Creek Wood Conservation Area | 20.69 acres (8.37 ha) | 39°45′17″N 85°58′48″W / 39.7548°N 85.9799°W | |||
| Gray Park | 1999 | 7.8 acres (3.2 ha) | 39°39′53″N 86°06′05″W / 39.6646°N 86.1014°W | Gray Park features unpaved trails in a wooded riparian zone along Buck Creek. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Griffin Woods | 1965 | 10.4 acres (4.2 ha) | 39°39′22″N 86°17′05″W / 39.6560°N 86.2847°W | ||
| Gustafson Park | 1961 | 32.3 acres (13.1 ha) | 39°48′37″N 86°15′30″W / 39.8104°N 86.2584°W | Gustafson Park features basketball courts, benches, football fields, an outdoor swimming pool, picnic tables, playgrounds, a shelter, tennis courts, and the Randy Shambaugh Baseball Park. Originally named Northwest Park, it was renamed to honor civic leader Howard Gustafson in 1967. | |
| Hanover North Park | 2006 | 14.01 acres (5.67 ha) | 39°43′47″N 86°01′43″W / 39.7296°N 86.0287°W | ||
| Haughville Park | 1922 | 5.6 acres (2.3 ha) | 39°46′34″N 86°12′09″W / 39.7762°N 86.2026°W | ||
| Hawthorne Park | 1923 | 3.6 acres (1.5 ha) | 39°45′59″N 86°12′08″W / 39.7665°N 86.2023°W | ||
| Hendricks Park | 2002 | 3 acres (1.2 ha) | 39°45′01″N 86°09′14″W / 39.7503°N 86.1539°W | ||
| Highland Park | 1898 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°46′15″N 86°08′17″W / 39.7709°N 86.1380°W | ||
| Highway Parcel #15 Park | 1922 | 1.28 acres (0.52 ha) | 39°48′41″N 86°10′42″W / 39.8114°N 86.1782°W | ||
| Holliday Park |  |
1916 | 95 acres (38 ha) | 39°52′17″N 86°09′42″W / 39.8713°N 86.1616°W | Situated along the White River, Holliday Park features an arboretum, a nature center, open space, picnic tables, a playground, a rock garden, wooded ravines, and 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of trails. The park is home to three atlantes designed by Karl Bitter from the façade of the demolished St. Paul Building. Referred to as "The Ruins," the pieces and accompanying grotto were dedicated in 1973. A performance space was added as part of a restoration completed in 2016. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Hot Shot Tot Lot | 1975 | 0.14 acres (0.057 ha) | 39°45′22″N 86°08′29″W / 39.7560°N 86.1413°W | ||
| Hudnut Commons |  |
1988 | 2.22 acres (0.90 ha) | 39°45′58″N 86°09′45″W / 39.7662°N 86.1624°W | Built atop an underground parking garage, Hudnut Commons features benches, decorative brick walkways, fountains, an Indiana Pacers Bikeshare station, pergolas, gardens, and a lawn. Originally named Capitol Commons, the plaza was dedicated in 2014 to honor William "Bill" Hudnut, former mayor (1976–1992). It is owned and maintained by the Capital Improvement Board, a municipal corporation that also owns the neighboring Indiana Convention Center. |
| Indianapolis World Sports Park | 1991/2014 | 46 acres (19 ha) | 39°45′08″N 86°00′14″W / 39.7521°N 86.0040°W | Originally named Post Road Community Park. | |
| Indianola Park | 1896 | 2.07 acres (0.84 ha) | 39°46′02″N 86°11′37″W / 39.7671°N 86.1937°W | ||
| Indy Urban Acres | 2011 | 8 acres (3.2 ha) | 39°47′49″N 86°01′56″W / 39.7970°N 86.0322°W | Indy Urban Acres is an urban farm operated by the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis. | |
| Iron Gate Conservation Area | 11.2 acres (4.5 ha) | 39°45′38″N 85°58′51″W / 39.760583°N 85.980966°W | |||
| Irving Circle Park |  |
1904 | 0.55 acres (0.22 ha) | 39°45′59″N 86°04′13″W / 39.7664°N 86.0703°W | |
| J. T. V. Hill Park | 1921 | 10 acres (4.0 ha) | 39°47′29″N 86°08′12″W / 39.7913°N 86.1368°W | ||
| Jake Greene Park | 1971 | 10.3 acres (4.2 ha) | 39°47′25″N 86°01′36″W / 39.7903°N 86.0268°W | ||
| James Foster "Bruiser" Gaines Park | 1971 | 10 acres (4.0 ha) | 39°47′46″N 86°13′02″W / 39.7960°N 86.2171°W | ||
| John Ed Park | 1925 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°47′38″N 86°07′34″W / 39.7938°N 86.1262°W | ||
| Juan Solomon Park | 1971 | 41 acres (17 ha) | 39°52′00″N 86°11′08″W / 39.8666°N 86.1855°W | ||
| Kelly Park | 1922 | 2 acres (0.81 ha) | 39°45′01″N 86°09′36″W / 39.7504°N 86.1599°W | ||
| Kin Hubbard Memorial Park | 1982 | 0.33 acres (0.13 ha) | 39°46′20″N 86°04′58″W / 39.7722°N 86.0828°W | Kin Hubbard Memorial Park features a bench, open space, and trees on the Pleasant Run Greenway. It is named in honor of cartoonist Kin Hubbard. | |
| Kitley & Troy Park | 2007 | 60 acres (24 ha) | 39°43′45″N 85°57′49″W / 39.7292°N 85.9636°W | ||
| Kitley Woods | 6.6 acres (2.7 ha) | 39°44′07″N 85°57′37″W / 39.7352°N 85.9604°W | |||
| Krannert Park | 1972 | 42 acres (17 ha) | 39°45′26″N 86°15′59″W / 39.7573°N 86.2664°W | ||
| Lappin Way Park | 1994 | 18.5 acres (7.5 ha) | 39°47′50″N 85°58′40″W / 39.7972°N 85.9779°W | ||
| Lentz Park | 1928 | 3.4 acres (1.4 ha) | 39°46′39″N 86°11′45″W / 39.7776°N 86.1959°W | ||
| Lieutenant Junior Grade Graham Edward Martin Park | 1971 | 67.1 acres (27.2 ha) | 39°47′13″N 86°10′24″W / 39.7870°N 86.1734°W | Originally named Fall Creek & 16th Park. | |
| Little Valley Park | 1998 | 1.65 acres (0.67 ha) | 39°44′52″N 86°10′44″W / 39.7478°N 86.1788°W | ||
| Marott Woods Nature Preserve |  |
1945 | 99.2 acres (40.1 ha) | 39°53′17″N 86°08′35″W / 39.8881°N 86.1431°W | Marott Woods Nature Preserve features picnic tables, a shelter, trails, and woods. The preserve is bounded by the White River (south) and Monon Trail (east). It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| The Matthew R. Gutwein Commonground | 2014 | 1 acre (0.40 ha) | 39°46′38″N 86°11′00″W / 39.7772°N 86.1832°W | The Commonground features a café building, fountains, seating, trellises, and landscaping. Located on the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital campus, the plaza is owned and maintained by Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, a municipal corporation. It is named after Matthew Gutwein, former president and chief executive officer. | |
| McCarty Triangle Park | 1897 | 2.39 acres (0.97 ha) | 39°45′23″N 86°10′48″W / 39.7565°N 86.1799°W | ||
| McCord Park | 1970 | 1.6 acres (0.65 ha) | 39°49′17″N 86°08′50″W / 39.8215°N 86.1472°W | ||
| Moreland Park | 1953 | 6.14 acres (2.48 ha) | 39°48′30″N 86°12′50″W / 39.8084°N 86.2138°W | ||
| Municipal Gardens | 1915 | 5 acres (2.0 ha) | 39°47′33″N 86°12′08″W / 39.7926°N 86.2021°W | ||
| North Broad Ripple Park | 0.29 acres (0.12 ha) | 39°52′41″N 86°07′54″W / 39.8781°N 86.1318°W | |||
| Northwestway Park | 1957 | 117 acres (47 ha) | 39°51′48″N 86°15′01″W / 39.8633°N 86.2504°W | ||
| Olin Park | 1967 | 8 acres (3.2 ha) | 39°46′41″N 86°13′34″W / 39.7781°N 86.2262°W | ||
| Orange Park | 1993 | 1.95 acres (0.79 ha) | 39°44′59″N 86°07′41″W / 39.7496°N 86.1281°W | ||
| Oscar Charleston Park | 1972 | 22.1 acres (8.9 ha) | 39°48′33″N 86°06′56″W / 39.8091°N 86.1155°W | ||
| Pathways to Peace Garden | 1995 | 0.08 acres (0.032 ha) | 39°46′20″N 86°09′47″W / 39.7723°N 86.1631°W | Pathways to Peace Garden features benches, planters, and landscaping. It is among the smallest city parks, occupying 3,600 square feet (330 m2) on a triangular plot. | |
| Patricia Park | 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) | 39°48′44″N 86°14′00″W / 39.8122°N 86.2334°W | |||
| Paul Ruster Park |  |
1970 | 102 acres (41 ha) | 39°45′33″N 85°57′46″W / 39.7593°N 85.9629°W | Paul Ruster Park features a dog park, open space, a playground, a pond, shelters, a sledding hill, trails, and woods. Originally named Prospect & Muessing Park, it was renamed to honor local educator and coach Paul Ruster in 1979. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Perry Park | 1961 | 21 acres (8.5 ha) | 39°39′02″N 86°09′12″W / 39.6506°N 86.1534°W | ||
| Pogue's Run Art & Nature Park |  |
2004 | 43 acres (17 ha) | 39°48′02″N 86°05′21″W / 39.80046°N 86.089135°W | Pogue's Run Art & Nature Park was designed as part of a flood control project on the Pogue's Run waterway. Features include benches, public art, trails, wetlands, and open space. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Porter Playfield | 1924 | 1.05 acres (0.42 ha) | 39°45′38″N 86°07′29″W / 39.7606°N 86.1247°W | ||
| Presidential Place Park | 1971 | 0.51 acres (0.21 ha) | 39°46′01″N 86°09′09″W / 39.7669°N 86.1524°W | ||
| Pride Park | 1968 | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) | 39°45′05″N 86°06′32″W / 39.7515°N 86.1089°W | ||
| Ransom Place Park | 1997 | 0.28 acres (0.11 ha) | 39°46′44″N 86°10′17″W / 39.7788°N 86.1714°W | ||
| Ravenswood Overlook Park | 1.68 acres (0.68 ha) | 39°53′16″N 86°08′09″W / 39.8877°N 86.1357°W | |||
| Raymond Park | 1971 | 35.8 acres (14.5 ha) | 39°44′19″N 86°00′57″W / 39.7386°N 86.0157°W | Raymond Park features prairie, trails, wetlands, and woods. In partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, baseball fields, basketball courts, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and the Indy Island Aquatic Center are located on the grounds of neighboring Raymond Park Middle School. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Red Maple Park | 2007 | 1.42 acres (0.57 ha) | 39°44′11″N 86°06′50″W / 39.7365°N 86.1138°W | ||
| Retherford Park | 1965 | 5.3 acres (2.1 ha) | 39°39′05″N 85°58′19″W / 39.6514°N 85.9720°W | ||
| Rev. Charles R. Williams Park | 1965 | 7.5 acres (3.0 ha) | 39°48′57″N 86°08′22″W / 39.8159°N 86.1394°W | ||
| Rev. Mozel Sanders Park | 1931 | 28.9 acres (11.7 ha) | 39°47′05″N 86°11′39″W / 39.7848°N 86.1943°W | ||
| Rhodius Park | 1913 | 24 acres (9.7 ha) | 39°45′15″N 86°11′39″W / 39.7542°N 86.1942°W | ||
| Richard G. Lugar Plaza |  |
2018 | 2 acres (0.81 ha) | 39°46′03″N 86°09′13″W / 39.7674°N 86.1535°W | Richard G. Lugar Plaza features an interactive fountain, an event lawn, Indiana Pacers Bikeshare station, bike racks, moveable tables and chairs, and access to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It is named for Richard Lugar, former mayor (1968–1976) and U.S. Senator (1977–2013). The plaza is located on the south side of the City–County Building on the site of the former Marion County Courthouse and is maintained by the Indianapolis–Marion County Building Authority. |
| Ridenour Park | 1956 | 6.79 acres (2.75 ha) | 39°45′53″N 86°13′23″W / 39.7646°N 86.2230°W | ||
| Ringgold Park | 1971 | 0.21 acres (0.085 ha) | 39°44′52″N 86°08′32″W / 39.7477°N 86.1421°W | ||
| Riverside Park | .jpg) |
1898 | 862 acres (349 ha) | 39°48′18″N 86°11′37″W / 39.804976°N 86.193495°W | |
| Riverwood Park | 2006 | 11.6 acres (4.7 ha) | 39°53′11″N 86°07′37″W / 39.8864°N 86.1269°W | ||
| Robey Park | 1972 | 20.4 acres (8.3 ha) | 39°48′19″N 86°18′55″W / 39.8052°N 86.3154°W | ||
| Roselawn Park | 1968 | 11 acres (4.5 ha) | 39°49′43″N 86°05′12″W / 39.8287°N 86.0868°W | ||
| Ross Claypool Park | 1940 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°44′48″N 86°12′01″W / 39.7468°N 86.2003°W | ||
| Sandorf Park | 1959 | 6 acres (2.4 ha) | 39°44′25″N 86°07′44″W / 39.7403°N 86.1290°W | ||
| Seerley Creek Park | 17.8 acres (7.2 ha) | 39°42′52″N 86°14′51″W / 39.7144°N 86.2474°W | |||
| Sexson Park | 1973 | 0.57 acres (0.23 ha) | 39°44′31″N 86°09′10″W / 39.7420°N 86.1527°W | ||
| Skiles Test Nature Park |  |
1974 | 80.91 acres (32.74 ha) | 39°52′19″N 86°03′00″W / 39.8719°N 86.0499°W | Skiles Test Nature Park features restored prairie, woods, and paved and unpaved trails, including access to the Fall Creek Greenway. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Southeastway Park |  |
1961 | 188 acres (76 ha) | 39°41′12″N 85°57′29″W / 39.686664°N 85.958022°W | Southeastway Park features an activity center, open space, picnic tables, playgrounds, a pond, shelters, short and tallgrass prairie, a sledding hill, paved and unpaved trails, wetlands, and woods. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Southside Park | 1966 | 7.8 acres (3.2 ha) | 39°42′28″N 86°07′30″W / 39.7077°N 86.1251°W | ||
| South Street Square Park | 2019 | 4.26 acres (1.72 ha) | 39°45′38″N 86°09′07″W / 39.7606°N 86.1520°W | South Street Square Park features benches, an event lawn, landscaping, and walking paths. Under a public–private partnership, Eli Lilly and Company developed the property, then donated it to Indy Parks. The company maintains the park. | |
| Southwestway Park |  |
1961 | 587 acres (238 ha) | 39°39′12″N 86°14′27″W / 39.6533°N 86.2408°W | Located along the White River, Southwestway Park features Winding River Golf Course, Mann Hill, ball diamonds, open space, a playground, a shelter, soccer fields, trails, and woods. Popular recreational activities include birdwatching, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Spades Park | 1896 | 31 acres (13 ha) | 39°47′09″N 86°07′40″W / 39.7859°N 86.1279°W | Spades Park features open space, a playground, and a shelter. The park is included in the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Stable Chase Nature Sanctuary | 1999 | 16.1 acres (6.5 ha) | 39°45′10″N 85°57′53″W / 39.7529°N 85.9648°W | ||
| Stacy Park | 0.25 acres (0.10 ha) | 39°45′24″N 86°08′01″W / 39.7568°N 86.1336°W | Stacy Park features benches, a picnic table, a playground, and a shelter. | ||
| Stamm Park | 1926 | 2.03 acres (0.82 ha) | 39°53′01″N 86°07′49″W / 39.8835°N 86.1302°W | Stamm Park features woods and open space. | |
| Stanley Strader Park | 1935 | 14.5 acres (5.9 ha) | 39°44′39″N 86°06′53″W / 39.74406°N 86.1147°W | Originally named Bethel Park, it was renamed to honor former Indianapolis City–County Councilor Stanley Strader in 2023. | |
| Stout Field Park |  |
1974 | 13.7 acres (5.5 ha) | 39°43′58″N 86°13′42″W / 39.7327°N 86.2284°W | Stout Field Park features a basketball court, open space, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, a shelter, a splash pad, and walking paths. It is named for the former Stout Field airport. |
| Stringtown Park | 1970 | 2 acres (0.81 ha) | 39°46′09″N 86°11′28″W / 39.7692°N 86.1910°W | ||
| Tarkington Park | 1945 | 10.32 acres (4.18 ha) | 39°49′38″N 86°09′29″W / 39.8272°N 86.1580°W | Tarkington Park features benches, basketball courts, a café and restroom building, open space, picnic tables, a playground, a splash pad, and tennis courts. A $6 million renovation of the park was completed in 2017. It is named for author Booth Tarkington. | |
| Thatcher Park | 1973 | 22.1 acres (8.9 ha) | 39°46′13″N 86°14′25″W / 39.7704°N 86.2403°W | ||
| Thompson Park | 1999 | 9 acres (3.6 ha) | 39°41′36″N 86°03′05″W / 39.6934°N 86.0513°W | ||
| Tolin-Akeman Park | 1989 | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) | 39°41′29″N 86°05′34″W / 39.6914°N 86.0927°W | Tolin-Akeman Park features open space, a playground, and a shelter. | |
| Town Run Trail Park |  |
2000 | 127 acres (51 ha) | 39°55′37″N 86°04′42″W / 39.9269°N 86.0782°W | Town Run Trail Park features a singletrack mountain bike course, hiking trails, picnic tables, and a shelter. The park is heavily wooded and hugs the western bank of the White River. It is maintained by the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association. |
| Upper Fall Creek Loop Trail | 63.3 acres (25.6 ha) | 39°53′38″N 85°59′51″W / 39.8940°N 85.9976°W | |||
| Virginia Lee O'Brien Park | 1956 | 3.6 acres (1.5 ha) | 39°48′02″N 86°04′04″W / 39.8005°N 86.0678°W | Virginia Lee O'Brien Park features a basketball court, open space, and a playground. | |
| Washington Park | 1923 | 128.1 acres (51.8 ha) | 39°48′53″N 86°06′52″W / 39.8147°N 86.1145°W | Washington Park features basketball courts, a disc golf course, a family center, open space, playgrounds, shelters, walking paths, wetlands, and woods. It is home to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department North District offices and The Headquarters: Mountain Bike Skills Park. The original Indianapolis Zoo was located in the park from 1964 to 1987. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Watkins Park | 1913 | 19.1 acres (7.7 ha) | 39°47′59″N 86°10′16″W / 39.7998°N 86.1712°W | ||
| Watson Road Bird Preserve | 1925 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°49′25″N 86°08′29″W / 39.8235°N 86.1413°W | Watson Road Bird Preserve features undeveloped woods. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Wes Montgomery Park | 1970 | 36.8 acres (14.9 ha) | 39°49′13″N 86°04′34″W / 39.8204°N 86.0762°W | ||
| Wildwood Park | 2008 | 8.78 acres (3.55 ha) | 39°42′57″N 86°01′31″W / 39.7158°N 86.0253°W | ||
| Willard Park | 1907 | 10.9 acres (4.4 ha) | 39°46′00″N 86°07′39″W / 39.7668°N 86.1276°W | ||
| William S. Sahm Park | 1961 | 66.3 acres (26.8 ha) | 39°54′58″N 86°03′12″W / 39.916145°N 86.053247°W | ||
| Windsor Village Park | 1953 | 7.7 acres (3.1 ha) | 39°48′15″N 86°03′20″W / 39.8043°N 86.0555°W | ||
| WISH Park | 1995 | 16.1 acres (6.5 ha) | 39°53′11″N 86°12′21″W / 39.8864°N 86.2059°W | WISH Park features benches, a playground, a shelter, and woods. Crooked Creek is the park's northern boundary. The park is named for local television station WISH-TV which donated the land to the city. | |
| Wolf Run Park | 2013 | 53.23 acres (21.54 ha) | 39°41′50″N 85°59′19″W / 39.6973°N 85.9886°W | ||
| Woollen's Garden of Birds and Botany | 1909 | 43 acres (17 ha) | 39°51′48″N 86°03′05″W / 39.8634°N 86.0514°W | ||
| Wright's Fields | 2004 | 38.91 acres (15.75 ha) | 39°45′00″N 85°57′15″W / 39.7500°N 85.9542°W |
Other facilities
Indy Parks operates several standalone recreational facilities, including Kuntz Memorial Soccer Stadium and the Major Taylor Velodrome.
Private parks
Not managed by any municipality, each of these parks is run by its own independent volunteer board of directors, and operates with fundraising and volunteer support.
| Name | Image | Est. | Size ac (ha) |
Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTSPARK |  |
2005 | 9.5 acres (3.8 ha) | 39°52′41″N 86°08′39″W / 39.8781°N 86.1443°W | The sculpture park is situated along the south bank of the White River and immediately west of the Monon Trail. Home to 27 pieces of artwork, it is owned and maintained by the Indianapolis Art Center. Admission to the park is free. It was designed by postmodern architect Michael Graves. |
| Ball Nurses' Sunken Garden and Convalescent Park |  |
1934 | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) | 39°46′36″N 86°10′56″W / 39.7767°N 86.1821°W | Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm as a therapeutic garden, it is a listed national historic site, featuring benches, a pergola, and a fountain home to the sculpture Eve. The park was rededicated in 2016 following restoration. It is owned and maintained by Indiana University. |
| Daubenspeck Community Nature Park | 2006 | 22 acres (8.9 ha) | 39°55′01″N 86°11′03″W / 39.9169°N 86.1841°W | Daubenspeck Community Nature Park features benches, boardwalks, tallgrass prairie, trails, wetlands, and woods. The park is maintained by a nonprofit volunteer board of directors under a 30-year land lease with the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| The Idle | .jpg) |
2018 | 1 acre (0.40 ha) | 39°45′20″N 86°08′38″W / 39.7556°N 86.1440°W | The Idle features a gravel path that terminates at a vista overlooking the I-65/I-70 "South Split" interchange. The park contains benches, a shade canopy, and repurposed seats from the former Bush Stadium. It is accessible from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. |
| James Irving Holcomb Botanical Gardens |  |
1950 | 20 acres (8.1 ha) | 39°50′39″N 86°10′15″W / 39.8442°N 86.1709°W | Features include benches, a carillon, a fountain, a garden house, a pond, walking paths, a waterfall, woods, and a 500-foot (150 m) mall that terminates at the sculpture Persephone. The gardens are owned and maintained by Butler University. The gardens are named for James Irving Holcomb who served 24 years on the university's board of directors. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab | 2002 | 55 acres (22 ha) | 39°49′06″N 86°12′14″W / 39.8184°N 86.2040°W | James A. Allison commissioned landscape architect Jens Jensen to design the grounds of Allison's estate to complement the site's natural features. The restored property features Jensen's original stonework, outdoor classroom space, a pond, trails, wetlands, and woods. It is owned and maintained by Marian University's Environmental Studies Department. The park is named for philanthropist Nina Mason Pulliam. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. | |
| Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres |  |
2010 | 100 acres (40 ha) | 39°49′34″N 86°11′20″W / 39.8261°N 86.1888°W | The park houses several site-specific art installations by national and international artists. Other features include bike racks, meadows, a quarry pond, walking paths, wetlands, woods, an Indiana Pacers Bikeshare station, and the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion. It is owned and maintained by the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Admission to the park is free. Virginia B. Fairbanks, the wife of benefactor Richard M. Fairbanks, is the park's namesake. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
State parks
| Name | Image | Est. | Size ac (ha) |
Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Harrison State Park |  |
1996 | 1,744 acres (706 ha) | 39°52′17″N 86°01′11″W / 39.871441°N 86.019816°W | Formerly the U.S. Army post of Fort Benjamin Harrison, the park's facilities include a golf course and pro shop, an inn and conference center, a visitors center, a museum, a playground, a sledding hill, a dog park, equestrian trails, hiking trails, shelters, and the Fall Creek Greenway. Recreational activities include birding, cross-country skiing, cycling, fishing and ice fishing, horseback riding, hiking, picnicking, and sledding. The park contains four nature preserves, two national historic districts, and access to Fall Creek. It is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
| Military Park |  |
1852 | 14 acres (5.7 ha) | 39°46′14″N 86°10′07″W / 39.770433°N 86.168567°W | Military Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis and a listed national historic site. Features include a shelter house, walking paths, and open green space. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail runs along its western boundary and the Canal Walk forms its southern boundary. It is managed by the White River State Park Development Commission. |
| University Park |  |
1876 | 4 acres (1.6 ha) | 39°46′19″N 86°09′25″W / 39.771999°N 86.157017°W | University Park occupies the southernmost block of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, a national historic landmark district. Its bilaterally symmetrical layout was designed in 1914 by George Kessler as part of the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System. Depew Memorial Fountain is the park's focal point. Other features include walking paths, floral gardens, benches, and statuary. It is managed by the Indiana War Memorials Commission. |
| White River State Park |  |
1979 | 250 acres (100 ha) | 39°46′00″N 86°10′11″W / 39.766667°N 86.169722°W | Bisected by its namesake, the White River, the park is home to several major attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the Medal of Honor Memorial, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) headquarters and Hall of Champions, Everwise Amphitheater, Victory Field, and two national historic sites. Sections of the Canal Walk and Indianapolis Cultural Trail traverse the park. It is managed by the White River State Park Development Commission. It is part of the Indy Birding Trail. |
Former parks
| Name | Image | Est. | Size | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park |  |
1995 | 0.98 acres (0.40 ha) | 39°46′50″N 86°10′28″W / 39.7806°N 86.1745°W | The park was demolished in 2017. |
See also
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List of parks in Indianapolis Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.