Indy Parks, Hogsett cut ribbon on improvements to Franklin Township Community Park

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, along with officials with Indy Parks and Recreation, were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, unveiling $2.8 million in improvements to Franklin Township Community Park.

According to a news release from Indy Parks, the $2.8 million in improvements to Franklin Township Community Park were funded as part of the $80 million grant given to Indy Parks by the Lilly Endowment.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, we are building better public spaces for generations to come here in Indianapolis,” Hogsett said in the release. “For our neighbors in Franklin Township, these new park improvements represent a real, material change in how they enjoy their neighborhood and raise their families.”  

The project includes:

• New playground
• New pickleball and basketball courts
• Paved trails
• Other site improvements

“This renovation is more than just a facelift,” Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone said in the release. “It’s a reflection of what happens when we come together with a shared vision for the future. We are thrilled to unveil these new vibrant amenities that will provide enriching experiences for our residents.” 

The release said that Franklin Township Community Park is one of six parks in the southern part of the city where construction is underway or soon expected.

The other parks include:

• Southside Park
  • New additions expected include a new playground, pickleball and basketball courts, and walkways.
  • Park is closed and scheduled to reopen when construction is completed in late 2025 or early 2026
• Tolin Akeman Park
  • New additions expected include a new playground, pickleball courts and trail improvements
  • Park is closed and construction is scheduled for completion in 2026
• Southwestway Park
  • New additions include a playground and restroom facility, with construction starting in late 2025 or early 2026
  • Park will remain open during construction and is expected to be completed in 2026
• Perry Park
  • New playground will be installed with funding from the Lilly Endowment Grant. Park will also make improvements to the park’s existing hardcourts
  • Park will remain open during construction, which will begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
• Thompson Park
  • New additions include a playground, improved trails and other site improvements
  • Park will be closed during construction and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

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