INDIANAPOLIS — The City of Indianapolis had reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Indiana War Memorials Commission (IWMC) to secure the management of University Park by the Indianapolis Parks Department (Indy Parks).
The MOU recognizes that Indy Parks has the authority to “beautify, improve, maintain, and regulate the use of” University Park, subject to the same rules, regulations, ordinances, and laws that apply to parks owned by the City of Indianapolis. That includes the enforcement of rules by park rangers and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers in University Park. A mobile IMPD public safety camera has been placed at the park.
Indy Parks rules include the following:
• Use of alcohol and controlled substances is not permitted
• Park hours are dawn to dusk
• Parking is permitted only in designated areas, vehicles prohibited on grass
• All animals must be on a leash
• No discharge of weapons allowed in park
• Permits required for special events
Even prior to the MOU, the City collaborated with IWMC on issues surrounding the park. The MOU clarifies the scope of the City’s authority to enforce rules under state law. IWMC will retain ultimate ownership and control over University Park.