Indianapolis Parks, Indy’s Treasured Respites
by Cindy Paul
Parks Indianapolis | Downtown
The people of Indianapolis treasure their parks and maintain and use them well. This is especially true of the parks in the inner circle city, where you will find parks that house well-known Indianapolis attractions and tourist sights such as the famous Monument Circle in the very heart of town, among all the bustle and concrete.
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Indiana War Memorial Plaza Parks – The Indiana War Memorial, known formally as the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District, was constructed in the very center of downtown Indianapolis. |
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Military Park – Military Park has the distinction of being the oldest park in Indianapolis. Originally named “Military Ground,” it was founded in 1820. |
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University Park – University Park in Indianapolis is located between New York Street and Vermont Street at the famous Indiana War Memorial Plaza. |
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Canal and White River State Park – White River State Park located just west of Downtown Indianapolis Indiana is the nations only urban state park. |
Parks Indianapolis | East
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Fort Harrison State Park – Fort Harrison State Park, along with the Fort Golf Course, occupies a good-sized chunk of the northeastern sector of Indianapolis, Indiana |
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Paul Ruster Park – The Paul Ruster Park in Indianapolis is a relatively newly developed park and recreational area comprised of almost 80 acres of land bordered by Buck Creek. |
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Raymond Park Indianapolis – Indy Island Aquatic Center is located at this south side Indianapolis park. It offers a splashing good time for Indy families. Fitness classes for Indianapolis kids and adults are available in the areas of yoga, pilates, dance, tumbling, aerobics, personal training and much more. This Indy park has it all. |
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Riley Park – in Greenfield,Indiana, is 7,200 square feet of fun, frolic and prettiness. Greenfield is a suburb due east of metropolitan Indianapolis. |
Parks Indianapolis | North
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Broad Ripple Park – Broad Ripple Park has served the Indianapolis family community since its beginning as an amusement park in 1946. A great place to be with nature, it’s also a hardwood tree preserve. |
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Forest Park Noblesville Indiana |
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Holcomb Gardens – The lovely Holcomb Gardens are located on campus at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. |
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Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium – It is not overstating the facts to say the this is one of the largest of the world’s observatories. |
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Indy Greenways – The Indy Greenways constitute the metropolitan recreational trail system which serves to connect the metropolis of Indianapolis via walking, jogging and running paths. |
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Lions Park Zionsville, Indiana – Each year, several community events are hosted at Lions Park, located in Zionsville, Indiana. The Zionsville Lions Club owns and maintains the grounds, where little league baseball and softball practice every season. |
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Monon Trail in Indianapolis – The Indianapolis, Indiana Monon Trail is the major artery comprising the Indy Greenways, which are fast-becoming famous. |
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Morse Park Noblesville, Indiana – Sunny beaches can be found in the Hoosier State, at Morse Park in the town of Noblesville, Indiana. This 23-acre park is unlike any other in Hamilton County. |
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Starkey Park Zionsville, Indiana – This huge 77- acre park is located just off if I-465 in Zionsville. It has beautiful nature paths that are connected to Eagle Creek Park, located on the west side of Indianapolis. Starkey Park was named in honor of generous land donor Lucile Starkey. |
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Watkins Park – Located in the beautiful downtown Indianapolis, Watkins Park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the Circle City. This Indy park offers a gameroom, playground, horseshoe pits and an indoor gymnasium. For sports lovers, there are basketball and tennis courts and football, baseball and softball fields. |
Parks Indianapolis | South
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Craig Park Greenwood – For the perfect quiet place to spend an afternoon or evening, visit Craig Park. This 27 acre park has several grills and picnic locations for a nice outdoor meal. |
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Garfield Park Indianapolis – This ain’t your grandma’s park! Or is it? Garfield Park is the oldest public park in Indianapolis, dating back to 1874. |
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Perry Park Indianapolis – Fun, fun and more fun can be found a Perry Park. The facility has a huge pool, an ice skating rink and tons of outdoor lounge and play space. Perry Park has unique experiences to offer Hoosiers throughout all four seasons. |
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Westside Park Greenwood – Outdoor trails at Westside Park are perfect if you’re the outdoor type, because the nature trails here are simply breathtaking. Sports lovers can also enjoy Westside Park because of its facilities for playing basketball, tennis and softball. |
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Southwestway Park Indianapolis – Located near Mooresville and Greenwood, Southwestway Park is the second largest park in Indy. Its feature include several soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Expansion plans for the park are undwerway, and include new tennis courts and an aquatic center. |
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Northwestway Park Indianapolis – A 135,000 aquatic center keeps Hoosiers coming back to Northwestway Park. The whole family can enjoy this huge water park, or many of the park’s other amenities, like adult exercise areas, soccer fields, and the 18 hole golf course. |
Parks Indianapolis | West