To celebrate Earth Day, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks have announced the highly anticipated opening of the Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center and nature playground on May 20. This $12 million addition will transform Grassy Creek Park into a premier hub for environmental education and recreation.
“Nothing better demonstrates the City’s commitment to the environment and the celebration of Earth Day than the historical investments going into our parks,” Hogsett said. “Thanks to funding from the City and our philanthropic partners, east side residents will soon get to enjoy the new nature park hub of Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center and the nature playground.”
Located at 3510 N. German Church Road, the new facilities include community rooms, a bird-watching space with outdoor speakers and identification guides and a sprawling nature playground — the largest in the Indy Parks system. Grassy Creek now joins Eagle Creek, Holliday and Southeastway Parks as a key destination for nature and environmental education in Indianapolis.
“This space represents a powerful investment in environmental education, sustainability, and community wellness,” said Councilor Rena Allen (District 15). “It’s a place where our youth can connect with nature, where families can learn and grow together, and where we honor our commitment to protecting our environment for future generations.”
Visitors can enjoy the playground and park grounds daily from dawn to dusk, while the community center will operate Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the official opening.
“Access to nature boosts the quality of our lives,” said Phyllis Boyd, Indy Parks director. “These new assets at Grassy Creek Park will ensure that residents have another nature park for play and enjoyment.”
Grassy Creek Park, now over 240 acres, is one of the city’s largest parks. To see images of the center and playground or learn more about programming, visit parks.indy.gov/grassy-creek-regional-park.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
