INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Parks broke ground Wednesday on a $13 million project to transform the northern portion of Riverside Park.
The project will turn the area into one of the city’s "most unique multi-use green spaces." It will include newly paved trails, a pavilion and plaza with restrooms and parking, a nature-inspired playground, and a fitness loop with outdoor exercise equipment.
“Indy Parks is very excited to share yet another milestone project for the Riverside community and for the entire city,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “With the opening of the Riverside Promenade last month and today’s groundbreaking for the Riverside Adventure Park, we are one step closer to bringing the Riverside Park master plan into reality.”
"It's a long time coming," said resident Pamela Hardy.
Westside residents Pamela Hardy and Adelle Stokes bike to the park often and say the new park will mean everything.
"We've been here for over 50 years and it's so nice to see all the changes that we've been fighting for, for years and years and years," Stokes said.
Construction on the Adventure Park is scheduled to finish by the end of 2024.
The new park will also have three zones; one for racing, nature walks and a river zone for parks and play.
With the increased violence across the city involving youth, Hardy believes this will serve as a positive outlet for children and teens.
"This here is going to be nice. Its going to be open to everybody and I think that's good and have kids active, everbody active," Hardy said. "If you don't have nothing to do, get your energy out right here."
“With today’s groundbreaking, we elevate the spirit of adventure and play that has always characterized Riverside, a spirit that will inhabit the planned pavilions and plazas, the nature-inspired playground, the paved walking trails, the fitness loop trail, and all the other planned amenities,” said President Vop Osili.
Other major 2023 projects include:
- Announcement of the $80 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., phase one projects are currently in the public meeting stage
- The opening of the Broad Ripple Family Center
- Groundbreaking for the expansion of Grassy Creek Park
- Opening of Rev. Charles Williams Park
- Construction on 27 playgrounds funded by the American Rescue Plan, the majority of which will be completed by summer 2024
- Completion of a splash pad at Frank & Judy O’Bannon Park
- Family Center Improvements at Douglass and Krannert Parks that will be completed in early 2024