Washington Park unveiled a series of improvements following a $3.5 million renovation project, part of an $80 million Lilly Endowment grant announced at the park in 2023.
“Washington Park has been a cultural cornerstone of Indianapolis for over a century now,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “And with upgrades like these — a new playground, splash pad, and more — we are carrying this park’s legacy into the future, ensuring that our residents will enjoy this treasured greenspace for generations to come.”
The upgrades include a new central playground, splash pad, shelter, parking lot, comfort station and event lawn. City officials say the additions are designed to increase recreational access, enhance programming and strengthen community connections for residents of the near northside.
“Washington Park has long been a place where culture, connection, and community come together,” City-County Councilor Ron Gibson said. “I am proud to see these investments take shape and support the park’s growth, creating a more welcoming space for families, kids and neighbors. Enhancing quality of life through projects like this ensures our communities have safe, vibrant places to gather, play and grow for years to come.”
Washington Park has served Indianapolis for more than a century, beginning as the site of the Indianapolis Indians and Indianapolis ABCs baseball fields, later becoming the city’s first zoo before transitioning into its current role as a public gathering space.
The funding for the project comes from the Lilly Endowment grant and a portion of $16.7 million provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The broader initiative will result in more than 40% of Indy Parks playgrounds being replaced by 2026.
The new amenities at Washington Park are now open to the public, with the splash pad expected to open once final water-safety testing is complete.
“At its core, this project is about connecting history to the present, connecting neighbors to one another, and connecting the next generation of Martindale-Brightwood youth to opportunities for growth,” said Brittany Crone, director.
More information about ongoing Indy Parks projects is available at parks.indy.gov.
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.
