Willard Park

Willard Park, located on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis, Indiana, spans approximately 10.72 acres and offers a rich history intertwined with community service and recreation. The park is named after William Willard, the founder of the Indiana School for the Deaf, who established the institution on the land that later became the park. The Indiana School for the Deaf occupied the site until 1911, after which the city purchased the area to create a public park.

The park was designed as part of George Edward Kessler's Park and Boulevard Plan and officially established in 1913. Over the decades, it has undergone numerous developments to meet the needs of the community. Initially, the park featured tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a football field, and a crushed stone walkway, which were added in 1916. Additional amenities like a swimming pool and picnic shelter were introduced in the 1930s, enhancing its appeal for outdoor activities.

Modern updates to Willard Park have continually improved its recreational offerings. A significant revitalization effort based on the 2001 IndyParks master plan saw the inclusion of basketball courts, a family activities center, and a walking trail. In 2022, a new 13,000-square-foot skate park—the first of its kind built in Indianapolis in over 20 years—was opened, creating a hub for skateboarding enthusiasts. The park also remains a valuable gathering space for the community, offering areas for both active sports and more passive leisure experiences.

Through its various historical and modern enhancements, Willard Park continues to serve as a vital green space for the surrounding neighborhoods, exemplifying a balance of historical preservation and contemporary amenities.