East side park receives $700K facelift following neighbor concerns

Outdoor basketball court with blue and orange net — Source: eucyln / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS—An east side park just received a $700,000 facelift, featuring a new playground, basketball court, and benches.

The improvements at John Ed Park follow concerns from citizens who contacted WRTV Investigates last summer, saying the park had been fenced off for nearly a year.

Stephanie Tinsley reached out to WRTV Investigates Kara Kenney for help, saying children were playing basketball in the streets and alleys.

So WRTV Investigates asked city leaders important questions about John Ed Park and other parks throughout the city.

We learned John Ed Park is one of 21 city parks benefiting from $16.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding appropriated in 2021.

“We feel good that by the end of 2026, we will have the whole scope of projects completed,” said Indy Parks spokesperson Alex Cortwright. “Residents will see new ones like this one pop up continuously for the next year and a half.”