Taking a look at Tarkington Park
You see a neighborhood park perfect for cooling off in summer and picnics on enjoyable days out. We see a long-neglected corner of the city that's beginning to stand for something. This peek into Tarkington Park - located at 38th and Illinois Streets in midtown Indianapolis - has so much to offer. But it's just at the beginning of its evolution. Read on, reader for this notable look at one of Indy Parks' cornerstone projects...
Nestled between the historic Butler-Tarkington and Meridian-Kessler neighborhoods - mere feet from bustling Meridian Street - is a contemporary urban oasis whose purpose is not only to entertain and delight, but also to connect and unite. In fact you may have been one of the many commuters rushing to and from downtown, not even realizing you were driving past one of Indianapolis’s biggest and most exciting park redevelopment projects.
The revitalized Tarkington Park was inspired by the ultra-sleek parks found in other major US cities and is a must-visit location for any Indy resident.
“Tarkington Park is a real point of pride, and this renovation helped to set a new standard for us. It is one of the first more modern parks in the city,” said Director of Indy Parks, Linda Broadfoot.
Founded more than 70 years ago, Tarkington Park initially served as a gathering space to build community as Indianapolis neighborhoods struggled to navigate the challenges of desegregation in the 1950’s.
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
Tarkington Park Indianapolis - theCityMoms
In an effort to build community relationships, the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association was formed and Tarkington Park served as a hub of activity and connection for the residents. But as the area changed through the decades, the park fell into disrepair and was underutilized by the many surrounding neighborhoods, and with it the connection between neighbors was being lost. Butler-Tarkington experienced years of increasing crime and neglect through the turn of the 21st century and with it Tarkington Park was often left in a state of neglect. In the early 2010’s, with the city of Indianapolis searching for better ways to support and develop the community, they found inspiration from Cincinnati’s own Washington Park, a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to improve its Over-the-Rhine neighborhood through urban and recreational development. In the decade since its renovation, the surrounding community has seen a 50% reduction in crime rates. The city of Indianapolis made the commitment to invest an astonishing 12 million dollars into the struggling park in an effort to revitalize not just the physical park, but the neighborhood overall. The first of the multi-phase project opened to the public in the summer of 2016. Over several years of planning, the city gathered feedback and input from the neighboring community and businesses in an effort to create a multi-use space that is as functional as it is beautiful. “[This] is probably the best example of a consensus that has been reached by many different neighborhood associations… To have something like this happen, you do have to build consensus among all of the neighborhood associations… it’s hard to achieve, but when that consensus happens, state-of-the-art, cutting-edge parks can result,” said Mayor Joe Hoggsett at the Project Opening Ceremony.Instead of traditional playground features, you’ll find a futuristic playscape comprised of enchanting rolling landscape of rubberized mounds turf grass, climbing walls, and interactive musical features. Long benches line the park where community members can gather and interact.The dynamic playground equipment encourages risky play in a safe environment and appeals to children of all ages. The massive spray plaza and adjacent BRICS café is a popular summer destination for neighborhood families looking to cool off.“Our planning team really thought about how children were going to use this space. The vibrant colors, cushiony surfaces and endless places to explore all serve to welcome families to this wonderful park,” said Broadfoot. But more than structures and landscaping, you’ll see residents reconnecting and establishing relationships, community ties being built, and a recommitment to the neighborhood. Since its reopening, locals have flocked to Tarkington Park and not only enjoyed the new amenities, but also Shakespeare in the park, concerts, movies, community events, and camps for children. Recently, the Indy Parks Foundation, Midtown Indy, and the MLK Center have partnered to provide unique and varied programming for the community. As Indy Parks looks on toward Phase 2 of the renovation, there are possible plans for a dog park, farmers market shelter, stage, and multi-use field, however the next steps are currently in the fundraising stages.
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Booth Tarkington in just one of Indy Parks 125 playgrounds and more than 211 parks across the Circle City and Indy Parks is busy improving facilities throughout the metropolitan area. But Broadfoot stresses that it takes more than just the Department of Parks and Recreation to keep the cities properties in great shape. “We don’t walk alone in our ownership of the parks. It takes all of us to see the parks thrive,” she said, encouraging Indy residents to get involved in their local parks.
In the coming year, Indy Parks has these wonderful projects coming:
Indy Island Aquatic Center at Raymond Park is receiving a major overhaul and will be reopening in late 2019 in celebration for the facility’s 25th anniversary.
The Arsenal Park splash pad renovation will be complete in 2020.
Visit Riverside Park to see the new amphitheater, courtesy of a Lilly Endowment, and a pedestrian promenade along Riverside Drive set to be open in late summer 2020.
Eagle Creek Westside Trail network to open in 2020.
MORE INFO: Indy Parks and Recreation provides parks, greenspaces, trails, and recreation opportunities for Marion County residents and visitors. The agency offers 211 parks, 11,254 acres of greenspace, 125 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 135 miles of trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 19 aquatic centers, 21 spray grounds, 13 golf courses, and four dog parks. It also provides a range of sports, art, education, and recreation programs and more than 3,000 programs throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to #DiscoverIndyParks daily, and plan their next adventure at the Indy Parks website.
