National Park Service Awards Grant for Indy Park

photo courtesy: Circle City Classic

The National Park Service has announced several grants from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership for cities to develop new parks or improve existing ones. Cities in 16 states received grants, including Indianapolis. The 18 cities will be able to submit final applications, which would mean an $11.7 million federal investment. Local governments will work with private and nonprofit organizations for support. 

“Grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund are making access to recreational opportunities possible across the country,” said Interior Secretary David L. Bernhardt. “We look forward to working with our state and local partners to increase the considerable benefits derived from our local parks and outdoor recreation areas.”

The city of Indianapolis was awarded $750,000 for plans to develop the Reverend Charles Williams Park on Sutherland Avenue near Fall Creek Parkway. The new park named after the Indianapolis icon and leader of the Indiana Black Expo will feature playground equipment, a performance shelter, picnic shelter and bocce ball courts and horseshoes. Other park amenities will include a walkway, parking lot with water retention and bioswale to clean runoff, along with an informational kiosk.