The Board of Parks and Recreation for the City of Indianapolis convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss significant improvements to local playgrounds and splash pads. The meeting primarily focused on the approval of Change Order Number 1 for the ongoing project with MATCON General Contractors Inc., which involves an increase in funding and an extension of the project timeline.

The Board recommended approving an additional $389,777.77, bringing the total project cost to $3,059,000.77. This change order will also extend the substantial completion date to August 1, 2025, with final completion expected by September 1, 2025.

Justin Hanna from MATCON provided insights into the project’s financials, noting that the original budget was set at $3,000,000, funded by the Lilly Endowment. Fortunately, the project came in $300,000 under budget, allowing for additional enhancements that were initially deemed unfeasible. Key improvements include paving paths for better accessibility throughout the park, particularly connecting to a nearby bike park used for youth programming.

Additional upgrades discussed included replacing broken light fixtures at the Family Center, addressing drainage issues on the park road, and renovating an old parking lot that has been in place for nearly a century. These enhancements aim to improve safety and accessibility for park visitors.

The meeting underscored the Board's commitment to enhancing community recreational facilities and ensuring that the park remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents. The next steps involve finalizing the change order and continuing with the planned improvements as scheduled.