Neighbors raise funds to add playspace, splash pad to near north side park
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — If a group of near north side neighbors can raise $27,500 by February, they’ll be able to secure more than $300,000 in improvements to Frank and Judy O’Bannon Northside Soccer Park.
The neighbors, in partnership with Indianapolis Parks Foundation, started a Patronicity project to add a playspace, a splash pad and a picnic shelter to Frank and Judy O’Bannon Northside Soccer Park, a 10.5-acre sports complex spanning from 14th to 16th streets and from Carrollton Avenue to the Monon Trail. The soccer fields were renamed in 2003 for former Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon and his wife.
According to the project page, the playground, splash pad and shelter components have already been purchased and are in storage. Indy Parks and Recreation has committed $250,000 to help pay for the installation as part of a 2019 capital improvements program — as long as the neighbors can raise the extra $55,000 needed, according to the project page.
If the crowdfunding campaign reaches its $27,500 goal by Feb. 1, 2019, the funds will be matched with a grant from the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program, and construction can begin in spring of 2019.
If the funds are not raised, the equipment will likely be used at a different park in the city, the neighbors said.
If you would like to donate to park upgrades through the Patronicity project, click here.
If you would like to mail in a donation, indicate that your donation is for O’Bannon Park CreatINg Places. Checks should be made out to Indianapolis Parks Foundation and mailed to:
Molley Miller
Indianapolis Parks Foundation
615 N. Alabama St. #119
Indianapolis, IN 46204