Andrew Ramsey Park

History and Namesake

Andrew Ramsey Park has been part of Indianapolis since 1971, honoring Andrew W. Ramsey - a Butler University grad, high school teacher, and significant figure in the city's Civil Rights movement from the 1950s onward. On May 18, 1974, the park was officially dedicated to Ramsey, who lived just a stone's throw away on Byram Avenue. He left his mark as an active member of the NAACP and penned columns for the Indianapolis Recorder for many years.

The park spans about 2 acres along 42nd Street, with a unique layout - just a sliver of frontage on 42nd Street and the bulk of the green space sitting behind private homes on three sides.

Park Highlights

The summer of 2024 brought an exciting addition - a brand new splash pad funded by Indy Parks' capital budget. It's a popular spot for local families looking to cool off during those sticky Indiana summers. The splash area is well-maintained and is designed primarily for younger children.

Kids have plenty of options with a playground area featuring swings and various play equipment suitable for different ages. If you're planning a gathering, there's a picnic shelter that you can reserve ahead of time.

You can find restrooms on the grounds, but availability might vary seasonally. The park also offers some nice open grassy areas that complement the more structured play zones, giving you room to toss a frisbee or just stretch out with a good book.

Getting There

Just a heads up - parking is limited to what you can find along 42nd Street. Given the residential setting, scoring a parking spot can be tricky, especially on busy days or during events.

Community Connection

Despite its modest size, Andrew Ramsey Park is a vital community hub in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood. It's that perfect local spot where neighbors connect while kids play and adults catch up.

The park provides a welcome patch of green in this densely populated part of Indianapolis. The recent upgrades reflect ongoing investment in this neighborhood green space.