Frederick Douglass Park

A Park With History

Dating back to 1921, Frederick Douglass Park stands as a living piece of Indianapolis history. As one of the first parks designed to serve Black residents during segregation, this 43 to 80-acre green space in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood has been a community cornerstone for over a century.

The park has evolved with the times, seeing numerous renovations while preserving its rich legacy. Recent improvements have updated this long-standing community space.

Places to Play

History and modern fun blend seamlessly here. The golf course (opened in 1928) and swimming pool complex (a neighborhood staple since 1927) highlight the park's historical significance. Today's pool area features a large water slide and indoor facilities for year-round enjoyment.

Kids will love the newly constructed playground with its tunnel slides, net bridges, and plenty of shady spots for when the Indiana sun gets intense. The playground is spacious and built with safety as a priority. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of four tennis courts, a full-sized basketball court, baseball diamonds, and football fields. When you're ready to slow things down, you can find paved fitness trails, picnic spots, and tranquil green spaces beneath the shade of mature trees.

The Brand New Family Center

In 2024, the park opened the new Frederick Douglass Park Family Center. This 45,000-square-foot facility, funded through the Circle City Forward Initiative, is the largest in the Indy Parks & Recreation system.

The center offers numerous amenities. Inside, you can find two full-sized basketball courts, an elevated walking track, a modern fitness room, and versatile spaces for community programs. The facility includes a dance studio, demonstration kitchen, podcast technology room, and multipurpose event spaces. Practical amenities include clean restrooms, changing areas, and family rooms.

Gathering Spaces

Looking for a spot for your next family reunion? Shelter #1 near the playground can accommodate about 75-80 people with bench seating, two grills, and electrical outlets - making it well-suited for those summer cookouts.

The clean, bright picnic areas provide ideal settings for family barbecues or community get-togethers. For larger events, the Family Center offers practical catering support with food warming and refrigeration capabilities (though you should note that rental fees may apply).

Stay Active, Stay Healthy

The park offers outdoor fitness equipment scattered across the grounds. Well-maintained and functional, these stations let you work out while enjoying the fresh air.

For those rainy days or winter workouts, the indoor fitness facilities at the Family Center provide year-round options to keep moving.

Something for Everyone

The park's programming spans generations - from summer day camps that keep kids active to senior fitness classes and cultural events that bring the community together. During the year, you might catch community concerts and special events that showcase local talent.

Frederick Douglass Park combines recreation, culture, and history, evolving alongside its neighborhood while preserving its significant past.