INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Parks is asking for feedback from neighbors on the future of Frederick Douglass Park.
People living near the park at 1616 E. 25th St. on the city's near northeast side showed up to an open house hosted by the parks department to hear the latest updates on the renovations and to offer feedback.
"It's so important to make sure the residents' voices are heard. This is our community. Everything within the community has come from the residents advocating for what we need, advocating for our needs," Joi Harmon said.
The Lilly Endowment is funding the project.
Indy Parks was primarily seeking feedback on updates to the sports field in the park. However, the biggest question from neighbors seemed to be when the new family center is opening and what's going to be inside.
"Everything is in the new center. Gaming, which all the young people know how to do. They specifically asked for a podcasting room so young people can learn how to podcast. There's also a state-of-the-art kitchen that's going to have healthy cooking classes," said Andre Denman, principal park planner for Indy Parks.
Frederick Douglass Park has deep roots in Indianapolis, a history that neighbors want to maintain and build upon.
"Frederick Douglass is a place where most African Americans in the city could only go for swimming, to have events for their children or to play golf," Denman said. "That history is rich in this community. There are people who still live here who know about that history. That's why we are so passionate and happy to be able to bring the resources they've been asking for for over 40 years."
"There are a lot of individuals who paved the way who continue to advocate and for generations to come," Harmon said.
Indy Parks hopes to have the family center open by May.