Indy Parks has a lot of construction jobs coming and wants to hire diverse contractors

Millions of dollars will be dedicated to Indianapolis park enhancements in the coming years. An opportunity for diverse businesses to apply for the work happens this week.

The Indy Parks Projects: Diverse Contractor Outreach event will be held at Riverside Park Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. It will offer groups the chance to learn about the application process. The Office of Minority and Women Business Development will partner with Indy Parks to drive more diversity in contractors. 

OMWBD Director David Fredricks said the event will detail numerous opportunities.

“Some of the different types of projects will involve work with nature centers, parking lots, work on trails, playgrounds, basketball pavilions,” Fredricks said.

There has been record investment for Indianapolis parks announced this year, including an $80 million gift from Lilly Endowment.  A majority of parks will receive upgrades.

Contractors in construction and other fields will be needed for jobs, and the OMWBD has set a goal to offer diverse companies 27 percent of the available projects.

Some of the new park plans for larger projects, including the Indianapolis World Sports Park and Washington Park, will be detailed at the event.

Fredricks said smaller diverse companies will have a chance to pick up jobs because of the variety of projects offered through Indy Parks.

“We’re going to be able to create some smaller ones to give folks an opportunity to do some work, but also to understand and gain some knowledge and experience about working with the City of Indianapolis and also specifically Indy Parks,” Fredricks said.

Companies may also learn about the OMWBD certification process.