INDIANAPOLIS — As Frederick Douglass Park prepares to turn 100, Citizens Energy Group is continuing to work on giving it a facelift.
The 43-acre near north side park was established during segregation for Martindale-Brightwood's Black community in 1921. Over the past century, Frederick Douglass Park, including the historic Frederick Douglass Park Golf Course that opened in 1926, has been a trademark in Indianapolis.
Citizens unveiled the park's renovated pool house on Monday. Improvements include a new security system, fresh paint, custom-designed murals, an upgraded concession area, new furniture, and landscape improvements.
Linda Broadfoot, the director of Indy Parks, said there are more upgrades to come during the unveiling on Monday.
"We'll soon be getting started on a design and putting together construction costs for a new family center at Frederick Douglass Park ... secure funding and build the family center in the future, and offer the renovated space to families and our staff," Broadfoot said.
The pool house renovations cost about $100,000. Citizens Energy committed to the funding, time, and resources for the Frederick Douglass Park in January 2019.
A multi-day event for the Frederick Douglass Park's Centennial Celebration is planned for July 7. Indy Parks, Citizens, and the Park Alliance ask that community members share their celebration ideas, park photos, testimonials, or other forms of support, to IndyParksCS@indy.gov or call 317-327-PARK.
