Historic Washington Park starts its next chapter
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The Washington Park revitalization is underway. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
One of Indy's most historic parks is ready to begin a brand new chapter.
Why it matters: The $3.5 million investment in Washington Park is an effort to revitalize an iconic near east side spot that was previously home to the Indianapolis Zoo and events like Indiana Black Expo.
Driving the news: Construction began this week on a replacement of the park's central playground as well as a new splash pad, shelter, parking lot and event lawn.
- The Lilly Endowment will fund the changes — and improvements across 42 other local parks — via an $80 million grant.
- Officials expect the Washington Park project will wrap by the summer of 2025.
What they're saying: "Between the historic investment in Frederick Douglass Park, renovated basketball courts at Fall Creek and 30th and the transformative project at Washington Park, District 8 is witnessing a generational investment in our parks," City-County Councilor Ron Gibson said.
- "Washington Park has always been a cornerstone of our city's history … this new project will ensure that it continues to serve our community for decades to come."
👀 The intrigue: Mayor Joe Hogsett had been slated to don a hard hat for the Thursday groundbreaking, but park officials told reporters just before the start he would not attend.
- Emily Kaufmann, a Hogsett spokesperson, told Axios the mayor had a last-minute scheduling conflict.
Catch up quick: The absence came after Hogsett's difficult day in the spotlight as he attempted to present the 2025 budget during Monday's City-County Council meeting.
- Calls for action related to sexual harassment allegations about Hogsett's former aide, Thomas Cook, and outbursts from activist groups overshadowed the proceedings.
What we're watching: Kauffman could not say when Hogsett's next public appearance would be.