Brookside Park

Brookside Park, one of the oldest and most expansive urban green spaces in Indianapolis, Indiana, spans 108 acres and is located on the near eastside of the city. Established in 1898, the park is an integral part of the Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System. This park is characterized by its rolling wooded landscapes and its historical significance, as it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The park is bisected by Pogue's Run, a tributary of the White River, which adds to its natural charm. Urban planner George Edward Kessler played a key role in its early 20th-century design, aiming to balance natural preservation with recreational development. The northern side of Brookside Park retains hilly, forested areas with nature trails, while the southern section is home to sports and recreational facilities.

A central feature of Brookside Park is the Brookside Park Community Center. Originally designed in the Neoclassical Revival style by the firm Harrison & Turnock and completed in 1928, the center offers a variety of community-focused activities and sports facilities. Its architectural design includes arched windows, terraces, and tall ceilings, blending harmoniously with the landscape. Renovated in the late 1990s, the community center remains a hub for local events, hosting meeting rooms, gymnasiums, and a weight room.

Brookside Park caters to a wide range of interests. Families can enjoy the playgrounds, aquatic centers, and picnic shelters, while sports enthusiasts have access to basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, and a disc golf course. For those seeking tranquility, wooded trails and scenic spots along Pogue's Run provide a serene escape from urban life. Two historic stone bridges and rustic features like cobblestone walls serve as reminders of the park's storied past.