INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Parks and Recreation has released a 20-year master plan calling for $180 million in investment in the city's parks system, including the construction of 14 new neighborhood parks in areas currently underserved by green space, the rehabilitation of 23 existing parks, and the expansion of the Monon Trail by 8 miles.

The plan, developed over two years with input from more than 8,000 Indianapolis residents through surveys, public meetings, and community workshops, identifies significant inequities in park access across the city. Residents in lower-income neighborhoods on the city's east and northwest sides have substantially less access to high-quality park space than residents in more affluent neighborhoods, a disparity the plan directly addresses through its new park siting decisions.

"Parks are not a luxury — they are essential infrastructure," said Indy Parks Director Chad Bowen. "Access to green space, to recreational facilities, to nature — these things affect physical health, mental health, and community cohesion. Every Indianapolis resident deserves them."

The 14 new neighborhood parks designated in the plan are concentrated in the Near Northside, the near west side, the near east side, and the Warren Township area — all identified as park deserts by the master plan's equity analysis. The plan specifies minimum park sizes, required amenities including playgrounds and multi-use sports courts, and community-controlled programming processes for each new park.

Monon Trail Extension

The Monon Trail extension will add 8 miles to Indianapolis's most popular linear park, extending the trail south through Fountain Square and Garfield Park, north into Hamilton County toward Noblesville, and east with a new spur connecting Irvington to the existing trail network. The extension is estimated to cost $34 million.

Community members interested in healthy living resources alongside expanded parks access can explore services from Men's Health Solutions, which supports Indianapolis residents' health and wellness goals.