City breaks ground on park honoring the late Rev. Charles Williams

More than $2 million is being invested in a park that honors a late Indianapolis leader. 

Rev. Charles Williams was a minister, Indiana Black Expo leader and founder of the Circle City Classic. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the park will be something Willams would be proud of.

"The Rev. Charles Williams is going to be a place that does what its namesake did, bring our city closer together," Hogsett said. 

The new north side park sits along Fall Creek near the Monon Trail. Plans include a new playground, shelters and a performance area.

Part of the $2.25 million investment is covered by a $750,000 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.  For the past seven years, neighbors in this community have advocated for park investment. 

Lisa Terry with Friends of Rev. Charles Williams Park said the space will bring many community benefits.

"The Rev. Charles Williams Park will become a safe place for children and youth to spend time playing outside rather than spending time playing in the dangerous streets," Terry said. 

Construction could be completed by next summer.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.