Parks director confirmed; new director outlines safety, maintenance and Lily Endowment projects amid budget concerns

The Indianapolis City Parks and Recreation Committee approved Proposal 2-14, confirming Britney Crone as director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and heard an extended departmental update on projects, safety staffing and budget pressures.

Crone told the committee she is a lifelong Indianapolis resident who formerly served as director of community outreach in the mayor's office, led the mayor's neighborhood advocate team and the mayor's action center, and previously worked as chief communications officer for the Office of Public Health and Safety. She said she plans a listening tour of parks staff and facilities and described public-safety work underway: "We welcomed our very first park safety administrator, and we're exploring how to build what I would like to refer to as trauma-informed systems for our staff, but also the neighbors who visit our parks," she said.

Crone and department staff said the city is moving ahead on a large set of projects funded by the Lilly Endowment and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Projects currently out to bid include Southwest Way Park, Somme Park, Major Taylor Skate Park at Riverside, Garfield Park and Krannert Park; a Lilly playground package includes improvements at Big Denny, Hanover North, Paul Ruster, Perry, Renoir and Badger. Crone said completed ARPA playground projects include Washington and Oscar Charleston parks, and that the combined Lilly and ARPA work covers just over 40% of the city's 132 playgrounds. She said pools and splash pads remain in service and that community swim hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On public-safety staffing, Deputy or chief communications staff said the park safety administrator position was funded in this year's budget as an initial position to begin the program; Crone described the job as the start of a team that could eventually cover sections of the city with non-law-enforcement, park-focused safety staff. The new park safety administrator, Eric Davenport, has been touring parks to assess needs and to coordinate with IMPD (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) and the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS).

Committee members used the presentation to press Crone on maintenance responsibilities and budget strategy. Several members said much day-to-day maintenance currently falls to the Department of Public Works (DPW). Councilor Maine asked whether Crone would prioritize shifting more maintenance responsibility into Parks; Crone said she would work with DPW and council colleagues to "find the right balance" and emphasized she is prioritizing improvements to maintenance and staff support. Councilor Jesse Brown praised Crone's responsiveness but said he would vote no on confirmation because of broader budget and administration concerns; his remarks were recorded during discussion and the committee then proceeded to a voice vote. The committee recorded a voice vote to confirm Crone and no formal opposed votes were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Public comment included two on-the-record supporters. Lauren Rodriguez, who identified herself as a resident of Mapleton Fall Creek, described hiring Crone to serve as a chief communications officer and praised her community outreach and responsiveness. Maggie Adams McBride called Crone "an exceptional human being" and urged committee members to support the confirmation.

After the vote, council members continued to press for a maintenance plan, fee-structure review and increased philanthropic outreach to sustain parks work as ARPA and Lilly grant funding winds down. Crone said she would pursue creative funding approaches and partnerships to "protect our investments" and support staff.

The committee approved the mayor's nomination and forwarded the confirmed appointment into effect as the Parks Department's leadership; Crone said she will proceed with a listening tour, continued coordination on safety and project implementation, and follow-up conversations with council members on maintenance and budget priorities.