How does Indy’s park system compare to the rest of the nation?

The Circle City’s park system was evaluated for acreage, equity, and more in ParkScore’s annual report.

INDYtoday: INDY_Forest Park swings Noblesville_JUL24

Fun fact: The largest park in Indianapolis is Eagle Creek Park.

Photo by INDYtoday team

It’s no secret that Hoosiers love spending time outdoors — but how does our park system compare to others across the US?

The 2024 ParkScore Index by nonprofit Trust for Public Land gives us some insight, evaluating Indy’s parks based on five traits: acreage, access, investment, amenities, and equity. Take a look at a few local statistics:

  • Indy is home to 229 parks.
  • Parks make up 4% of the city’s land, landing below the national median of 15%.
  • 36% of Indy residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.
  • Low-income households have the greatest access to nearby parks, with 40% living within a 10-minute walk.

Want to see how Indy stacks up to the rest of the nation? Check out the full rankings.

More from INDYtoday
Have questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?” Here’s everything you need to know to start your composting journey.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Beleaf it or not, an estimated 30 million Americans drink tea every day. Here are some places you can have a beau-tea-ful afternoon tea experience — or just grab a simple cup.
Whether you’re a casual cardinal custodian or a lifelong lark lover, here’s where you can start birding, learn more about local species, and catch a glimpse of them crossing the skies.
In honor of the MICHELIN Guide expanding into the Great Lakes region of the U.S. with Indianapolis included, here are a few restaurants we think deserve the prestigious honor.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
Love your city? Get engaged by joining a board or commission related to a topic you’re passionate about or have experience in.
With the Masters Tournament right around the corner, we took a swing at narrowing down what local food picks we would bring to the Masters Champions Dinner table.
Mother Earth is defrosting, and she’s sprouting dozens of edible plants + flowers that you can find in your own backyard. Go on the hunt with our foraging guide.
Pack your reusable shopping bags — we’ve rounded up eight farmers markets around Indianapolis with everything from fresh produce to gorgeous flowers and beyond.