Improvements underway for Riverside Adventure Park

The second major celebration of recent improvements at Riverside Park was held this week.  A planned $13 million project will transform an old golf course into a new greenspace.

Set along the White River, the Riverside Adventure Park features new trails, a pavilion, a nature-themed playground and a fitness loop. 

The project is one of several planned upgrades to Riverside Park, which spans more than 850 acres on Indianapolis’ near northwest side. Last month, a new promenade opened on the south end of the park.

Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd said the project marks another important milestone for the community.

“We are one step closer to bringing the Riverside Regional Park master plan into reality,” Boyd said.

Designs were presented to the community last year, and everyone was invited to add their input on improvements.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor William Duke Oliver is retiring from the council this year after 20 years.  He said he’s served on the parks committee for 12 years because parks are important.

“They are beloved, sacred spaces. They help tell our city's story and history and honor people's legacy for many years to come. Our local parks are the fabric of our neighborhoods, and the beating hearts of our communities,” Oliver said.

The city has been able to make historic investments in parks in recent years with the help of city, federal and philanthropic funding.  This project receives money from the Circle City Forward initiative and a Lilly Endowment grant.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.