Gustafson Park

Recreational Facilities

Found on Moller Road in northwestern Indianapolis, Gustafson Park spreads across 33 acres of community-focused green space. This local space offers a surprising variety of outdoor activities that might make you forget you're still in the city.

The park's swimming pool is definitely a summer highlight. It's spacious enough for serious lap swimmers but welcoming enough for casual dippers too. The adjacent bathhouse means you won't have to drive home in a damp swimsuit. If you're planning a visit, keep in mind the pool typically runs from early June to early August - classic Midwest summer timing.

What makes this pool area extra fun is the trampoline that adds a bit of bounce to your swim day. For the little ones, there's a splash play area and wading pool where they can safely enjoy water play without you constantly holding your breath in worry.

Sports Amenities

Gustafson offers facilities for both tennis players and baseball enthusiasts. The park features two tennis courts for those serve-and-volley moments and an impressive six baseball diamonds where future MVPs can practice their home runs.

Basketball more your thing? The newer basketball courts on the north side of the pool offer a smooth surface for your pickup games or solo practice sessions.

The park doesn't stop there - it also houses a football field for the gridiron gang and a fenced court with goal nets well-suited for impromptu soccer matches with friends or family.

The newly rebuilt playground area features all the classics - slides, swings, see-saws, and climbing equipment that kids can enjoy for hours. A nearby covered shelter provides a shady spot to catch your breath while keeping an eye on the little adventurers.

Park Facilities

No need to cut your park day short when nature calls - restroom facilities are conveniently located between the parking lot and pool area. During busier months, portable toilets supplement these facilities throughout the park.

Planning a family gathering? The park's covered picnic shelter comes equipped with a charcoal grill, making it ideal for Sunday cookouts or birthday celebrations. Just remember to bring your own charcoal and grilling tools.

If you're cycling over, lock up at the available bicycle rack. The park management has placed trash barrels around the grounds, but on crowded summer weekends, you might want to bring a small bag for your refuse - better safe than sorry.

Natural Environment

Beyond the structured activities, Gustafson Park offers plenty of green space for those who just want to toss a frisbee, read under a tree, or enjoy a peaceful moment away from screens. Mature trees dot the landscape, providing welcome shade during Indiana's humid summer months.

Explore a bit further and you'll discover additional open fields accessible through breaks in the tree lines connecting to Patton Drive and Alpine Avenue. There's even a bridge linking Gustafson to neighboring Shambaugh Park, essentially doubling your outdoor options.

Dog owners will appreciate the expansive open areas in the back of the park - great for letting your furry friends stretch their legs. Just remember to be a good neighbor and clean up after your pets.

Community Role

At its heart, Gustafson Park is a neighborhood gathering place, particularly for residents northwest of the park. It's where local sports leagues face off, families celebrate milestones, and kids make summer memories at the pool.

During summer months, the park sometimes hosts free lunch programs for children 18 and under - reflecting its importance as a community resource, not just a recreation space.

One insider tip: the park is actually much larger than it appears from Moller Road. What might look like a simple playground from your car window unfolds into a substantial recreational area once you venture inside. It's surprisingly more extensive than it appears from Moller Road.