Arsenal Park

Arsenal Park is a 13-acre neighborhood park located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Originally named Haverford Park due to its proximity to Haverford Avenue, it was later renamed Arsenal Park after Arsenal Avenue, which is now known as Indianola Avenue.

The park was established in 1928 when the city of Indianapolis purchased the land for $19,915 in response to a petition from local residents seeking a park within walking distance of their homes. At the time, the surrounding area was relatively isolated from the developed parts of the city, bordered by the State Fairgrounds, The Monon Railway, and the Indiana School for the Deaf.

During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) contributed to the park's development. In 1935, they constructed a spray pool, and in 1942, brick shelter houses were added. As World War II veterans returned and settled in the area, the park's popularity grew. Families would gather for picnics under large oak trees, while baseball games were played at the north end of the park.

Over the years, Arsenal Park has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. While some original structures are no longer present, the park's current layout remains similar to its initial design. Modern additions include updated playground equipment and a spray park, which are popular destinations for local children during the summer months.

One of the park's most unique features is its bike polo courts. In 2011, the Indianapolis Bicycle Polo group renovated the park's neglected tennis courts, transforming them into one of the few permanent bike polo facilities in the nation with full support from the city's parks department.

Arsenal Park serves as a vital recreational space for the Keystone-Monon Neighborhood Partnership, offering various amenities for leisure and sports activities.