Making Places for Play: Building Park Space into Project Design

Indianapolis was one of five cities chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2012 to receive assistance through its Greening America's Capitals program to improve green infrastructure. The selection was likely a result of the city’s poor rating by the Trust for Public Land’s Parkscore®index which ranked Indianapolis 47th out of 50 of the nation’s largest cities in terms of spending per person on park space, ease of access to parks, the number of public playgrounds available and services and investment.

Yet, when you look around, you can clearly see the city’s efforts turning things green. Andrew Stephens, senior marketing manager with Indy Parks and Recreation, says “greenways remain in high demand in Indianapolis, so the city will continue to place emphasis on the 60+ miles of greenway trails that link various parts of the city with downtown and the Cultural Trail. Expansion of the Pennsy Rail Trail, Fall Creek Trail and the new South White River Connector will improve options for residents to travel, exercise and build connected communities. Helping residents find places to play is another priority we can easily tackle.” One of Indy Parks newest initiatives is the Funfinder web app, an interactive site that allows residents to locate nearby recreation areas.

Stephens suggests we consider the “parkscore” a baseline; “the study doesn’t really recognize park space owned or set aside by private or non-profit entities for common use, only government-owned land.” Residential developers like Milhaus who have large investments in quality of life for their residents also help fulfill some of the need for green space. Proximity to nature ranks high among renters, so designing landscaping and outdoor common areas into project plans guarantees residents access to outdoor entertainment. Living downtown Indianapolis where space is at a premium, Milhaus believes that renters shouldn’t have to sacrifice open-air spaces. The Mozzo borders the Cultural Trail, a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana Greenways System. Last spring, Milhaus, in conjunction with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful installed a pocket park along the trail with new trees and landscaping, turning a vacant lot into a trailside oasis. Residents at Mozzo appreciate the ease of trail access where one can hop on a bike and within minutes enjoy dinner with friends at one of many nearby eateries.

At Artistry, located in the emerging Cole-Noble Neighborhood, one wouldn’t expect to have the best of both worlds, but Milhaus included an array of open-air features in the design: two courtyards with a fountain, a vegetable garden, bocce court, and a putting green. To top it off, a rooftop pool, aqua lounge, an outdoor kitchen and sundeck with skyline views are just icing on the cake.