Indianapolis outlines $2 million parks maintenance package in spring fiscal proposal

Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd told the Parks and Recreation Committee on May 8 that the spring fiscal proposal includes $2,000,000 for citywide facility and amenity maintenance across Indianapolis parks.

The funding, Boyd said, would cover several categories of work including $900,000 for renovations to 60 basketball, tennis, pickleball and futsal courts across 28 parks, a bulk purchase of picnic tables, benches and trash cans, $249,000 for landscaping, a one-time lighting replacement at Ellenberger Park’s tennis and pickleball courts, $150,000 to replace HVAC equipment at the Garfield Park Conservatory, and interior fixture upgrades at family centers and pools including Garfield, Riverside, Indy Island and Perry parks.

The proposal supplements Indy Parks’ existing capital improvement plan (CIP). Boyd said the department’s annual CIP for similar work has been roughly $5,800,000, and that the $2 million represents “over 30% of the annual CIP.” She told committee members the scope of work—resurfacing and crack repair, new striping, netting and goals—aims to extend the life of courts and improve playing conditions.

Why it matters: the package is intended to address deferred maintenance across many neighborhood sites and to accelerate several larger capital projects. Boyd said councilor-led capital projects will each receive a public meeting before construction documents are finalized, with construction bids expected this fall.

Committee members asked about leveraging outside funding. Boyd said Indy Parks is working with the USTA on a courts assessment that could identify funding opportunities and that the Parks Alliance is assisting in pursuing foundation and grant support.

Project updates: Boyd reported that construction recently began on a $6,800,000 Martin Luther King Jr. gateway expansion project, which will add a plaza, new signage and expand the Pathways to Peace monument with work scheduled for completion in spring 2026. She said the newly opened Riverside Adventure Park spans about 180 acres with roughly 4 miles of trails, a playground, multiple shelters and new outdoor exercise equipment. Additional spring work includes projects at Tarkington and Chapel Hill parks and sports-field renovations at Frederick Douglass Park; these are funded through Lilly Endowment grant projects that will continue later in the year.

Boyd also announced a May 20 ribbon-cutting at Grassy Creek Park for a new environmental community center and nature playground—she said this will complete the Circle City 4 project set. She described ARPA-funded playground investments tied to a $140,000,000 parks initiative, noting two spring completions at Frank Young and Orange parks and more sites wrapping up in the coming months.

Programs and operations: the department said its Drive & Dish program—run with Gleaners Food Bank and the Indiana Pacers—has expanded to Thatcher and Municipal Gardens parks, with a new Stanley Strader site expected in late May. The program allows residents to order groceries online at no cost and pick them up at park centers. Boyd reported the department is on pace for “our best hiring season since before the pandemic” for lifeguards, camp counselors and other seasonal staff, and said pools and splash pads are being prepared for Memorial Day weekend openings.

No formal committee vote occurred on the $2 million proposal during the May 8 meeting. Boyd said staff will follow up with councilors who selected councilor-led capital projects to schedule public meetings and finalize timelines.

Ending: Committee members thanked Boyd and staff for the presentation and for managing a large slate of capital and programmatic work across the parks system.