Frederick Douglass Park

Historic Significance

Established in 1921, Frederick Douglass Park was one of the first parks in Indianapolis designed to serve Black residents during the era of segregation. Located in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, this 43 to 80-acre park has been a vital center for recreation and social gatherings throughout its history.

Over the decades, the park has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades to preserve its legacy while meeting community needs.

Recreation Amenities

The park features a blend of historical and modern recreational facilities. A centerpiece of the park's history is its golf course, which opened in 1928, and its swimming pool, which has been a community hub since 1927.

Visitors can enjoy a new playground with tunnel slides and net bridges, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and football fields. The park also offers paved fitness trails, picnic areas, and beautiful green spaces shaded by mature trees.

Frederick Douglass Park Family Center

The newest addition to the park is the Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, opened in 2024. This modern, 45,000-square-foot facility was funded through the Circle City Forward Initiative.

The state-of-the-art center features two full-sized basketball courts, an elevated walking track, a fitness room, and spaces for community programs. Specialized amenities include a dance studio, demonstration kitchen, podcast technology room, and multipurpose event spaces.

Community Programs

Programs at the center range from summer day camps to senior fitness classes and cultural events, ensuring its appeal across generations.

Frederick Douglass Park continues to be a cornerstone of Indianapolis as a recreational, cultural, and historical asset, symbolizing unity and the resilience of the community it serves.