INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Joe Hogsett joined Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd, William “Duke” Oliver, The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis, and community members recently cut the ribbon on the new playground, splash pad, and shelter at Frank & Judy O’Bannon Park, located on 16th St. next to the Monon Trail.
Frank O’Bannon served as Indiana Governor from January 13, 1997 – September 13, 2003. After his death in September 2003, the park was named after Governor O’Bannon and his wife Judy to commemorate their connection to the community and leadership on child development.
The original concept for the new park amenities started in 2012, and in 2018 the Old Northside community along with the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis crowdfunded $41,700 to contribute towards the improvements. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority made a commitment to match the crowdfunded amount. In 2020 Indy Parks received a Land and Water Conservation grant from the National Parks Service through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for $367,932. The total construction cost was $861,500 with the City funding $410,168 of the project.
The Park currently features nine soccer fields of varying sizes for different age groups, parking for Monon Trail users, open greenspace, trails, and now a new playground, shelter, and splash pad. Indy Parks splash pads will be operational starting May 20. More information and operating splash pad locations can be found at parks.indy.gov.
