Ringgold Park

A Bit of History

Tucked between the Bates-Hendricks and Fountain Square neighborhoods of Indianapolis sits Ringgold Park, a cozy green retreat with an interesting past. Dating back to the early 1900s, this little park actually had to pack up and move during the Interstate 65 construction, reinventing itself several times over the decades.

The most exciting refresh came in 2023, when the playground got a complete makeover as part of a $16 million city-wide investment funded by the American Rescue Plan. A significant upgrade for the neighborhood.

What You'll Find There

Despite its small 0.19-acre footprint, this pocket park offers several amenities. The modernized playground features a slide, challenging climbing structure, and soft rubberized turf that's much kinder on little knees than old-school wood chips. Kids with different abilities can enjoy the adaptive swing set, and there's even a musical teeter-totter that plays sounds while you bounce - an interesting feature.

Though compact, the park maintains a tidy, well-kept appearance. The playground equipment tends to be a better fit for older kids, with climbing structures that offer just the right amount of challenge to keep things interesting.

A Touch of Nature

One of the park's thoughtful touches is its emphasis on bringing nature into the urban landscape. You'll spot native plants and bird boxes that attract local wildlife, creating a mini ecosystem within the city. This natural space was developed with help from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful - and it shows.

The eco-friendly jungle gym blends perfectly with these natural elements, creating a harmonious play environment. While you can find some shady spots to escape the summer heat, a few more trees would definitely make those July and August visits more comfortable.

The Neighborhood Hub

Even with the interstate humming nearby, Ringgold Park somehow manages to create a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding and play. Residents from both the Bates-Hendricks and Fountain Square areas often gather here.

Neighbors appreciate the recent renovations that have improved this community space. Just note that you won't find restrooms or dedicated picnic areas here, and seating is somewhat limited - so maybe don't plan an all-day excursion without some backup options.