ICYMI — Indy Parks is set to receive $80 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment.
The money will go toward playground upgrades in 18 small parks, trail improvements, park-based programming, and a contingency fund to offset unpredictable supply chain issues.
But which parks are getting upgrades and what will some of those new additions look like? We decided to dig a little deeper into some of the projects that will run through 2025.
Riverside Regional Park, 2420 E. Riverside Dr.
The city has secured more than $6.5 million for the adventure park and promenade and is seeking $11.55 million in funding for the nature zone, new trails, river zone, racing zone, and the Taggart Memorial Playground. The new Riverside Park will offer facilities for Soap Box Derby racing, outdoor entertainment venues, boating activities, and multi-use trails.
Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St.
This park, which just celebrated its 50th birthday in 2022, will use its share totaling $2.6 million towards proposed accessibility upgrades for the Pin Oak Trail near the Earth Discovery Center, additional community program engagement, and the development of a documentary about the park’s history.
Holliday Park, 6363 Springmill Rd.
The 94-acre park — home to the iconic Ruins, a 13,000-sqft nature center, and 3.5+ miles of trails — will receive $1.5 million. The city is requesting an additional $3 million for playground improvements, signage, walkway upgrades, and gazebo maintenance.
This new design of Major Taylor Skatepark was made seven years ago.
Photo by @hunger_skateparks and @indyskateparks
Major Taylor Skatepark, 3649 Cold Spring Rd.
This is big news for Indy’s skating community. The city is requesting $750,000 to expand the popular skate park and add LED sports lighting to extend its operational hours.
Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Dr.
Indianapolis’ oldest park is being granted $5.5 million to improve the pagoda, playgrounds, and sunken garden fountains.
Check out the complete list of 42 parks getting grants from Lilly Endowment.
