Indy Parks begins work on historic Washington Park renovations

Upgrades are coming to historic Washington Park on the near north side of Indianapolis. Indy Parks officials broke ground on work at the park this week.

The $3.5 million project will add parking, event space, shelter and a splash pad for visitors. Upgrades will also replace the central playground at the park.

Funding for the project comes from the Lilly Endowment, which granted $80 million last year to improve 42 parks within the Indy Parks system.

“The ongoing support of the Lilly Endowment means we can continue to make meaningful investments into our city’s parks,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett in a press release. “The project at Washington Park will transform one of our largest urban parks by giving our residents more opportunities and space to play, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.” 

Alex Cortwright, the chief communications officer with Indy Parks, says this is a generational investment for residents in this neighborhood.

“We're able to make these investments that will really boost quality of life and community assets for decades to come,” he said.

Washington Park currently has over 120 acres of green space and trails, a golf course and a mountain bike course.

The park was previously the home baseball field to the Indianapolis Indians and a Black baseball team, the Indianapolis A-B-Cs. It also housed the Indianapolis Zoo for over two decades and has been the location for events like the Indiana Black Expo.

“This new project will ensure that it continues to serve our community for decades to come, enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the rich heritage of our beloved park,” City-County Councilor Ron Gibson said in a statement.

Other parks in the area that have received upgrades are the Rev. Charles R. Williams Park and Frederick Douglass Park.

Indy Parks officials expect Washington Park renovations to be complete by next summer.