5-Parks+and+Recreation

Located in the heart of downtown, White River State Park is Indiana's only urban state park offers an awesome array of attractions, entertainment and recreation. In addition to the many famous attractions such as the Indianapolis Zoo, Victory Field Baseball Park, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, it is home to Military Park, The Pedestrian Bridge, the River Promenade, and Central Canal. Visitors are also able to rent bikes or pedal boats and stop by the visitor’s center located here as well.

Visit Military Park to toss a Frisbee, walk your dog, or simply settle into the grass in this 14-acre green space bordering the IUPUI [|campus]. Although it was a Civil War encampment and home to the first state fair, the park drew its name from its shape-like a military badge. The park is home to many festivals and Indy JazzFest annually.

Garfield Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis (est. 1889). It continues to stand as a lasting testimony to the importance of beauty, culture and community. Amenities: conservatory, sunken garden, arts center, MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, outdoor pool, picnic shelters, tennis, softball, walking trail, horse shoe courts, outdoor basketball, gym, weight room, playgrounds, sledding hill.

Broad Ripple Park borders the White River. In the past this site has been the home of an amusement park, carousel (now at the Children's Museum), a steam locomotive and it was the location of the Olympic tryouts for swimming in 1924 and 1952. Amenities: Family Center, outdoor swimming pool, playground, shelters, picnic knoll, tennis, baseball, athletic field, viewing platform over the White River, wooded lot, fitness trail, dog park, boat ramp.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Landmark for Peace Memorial is named for Civil Rights Leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this park has a rich history in the community. The site where Robert Kennedy gave his memorable speech the night King was assassinated in 1968, the park is home to the Landmark for Peace memorial sculpture, which honors the contributions of both slain leaders. The park features picnic shelters, outdoor pool, basketball court, softball field, playground. The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is part of the Riverside Regional Park, bordered by Lake Sullivan. The Sports Complex is home to many of Indy Parks' most unique recreational opportunities: BMX Track, Major Taylor Velodrome and Skatepark. See individual listings under biking and skating for more information about these activities.