We really enjoyed our visit to Tarkington Park! The big draw for me was Teas Me Community Cage being right there, and I must say, it was fantastic to have an iced tea while in the sunshine on a sunny day! My mini BFF enjoyed the younger area--the small slide, the tunnels, the little hills. There are so many cool aspects of this park to climb, swing, jump, crawl,spin, and even make music. Next time I'm in this part of town, I'll be happy to stop by again! read more

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My Realtor group assisted with cleaning the park today for Earth Day. We made a difference in four hours. I can't believe how different the park looks. I stopped to grab lunch at Teas Me afterward. I forgot to take before and after photos. read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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For a good majority of my life, I have lived in rough neighborhoods. It started as a child growing up in the area now known as International Marketplace, or more accurately, just a wee bit northwest of it. I lived in what was definitely known as one of the roughest areas of Pike Township. I've lived at 71st and Michigan Road, on the near southside, and in a handful of areas that ranged from economically challenged to downright dangerous. For a couple years, I lived right at 38th and Meridian in the 20-story high-rise right on the corner. It put me within a few blocks of the hospital where I worked and as an on-call crisis clinician proximity was important. It was a rough area, but it remains one of my favorite places I've ever lived here in Indy even with the elevator that had a tendency to breakdown leaving me to climb down nine flights of stairs on those nights I would get called in. I grew to love Tarkington Park even before its renovation around 2016. Oh sure, it could be a bit rough around the edges but I never had any problems in the park and I was well aware of its importance to the Black community. The transformation of Tarkington Park was initially met with resistance. It was an important gathering place for the Black community from surrounding neighborhoods and there was a legitimate fear that would disappear. Initially, those in charge of the project didn't listen well. Over time, that began to change. Compromises have happened - it used to host a lot of youth football and while it still does host it there's less room for that type of sport. However, most agree that an awful lot of good has happened in Tarkington Park. Tarkington Park is named after Booth Tarkington, a novelist and dramatist who was born and died in Indianapolis. He's one of only four novelists to have one more than one Pulitzer Prize for fiction. He was also an Indiana State Representative. And yes, he really lived in the area now known as Butler-Tarkington. Tarkington Park offers a ton of amenities including a children's play area, a splash plaza, a lawn for field sports, a performance shelter, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking paths, and the cafe which is now Tea's Me Cafe (owned by women's basketball icon Tamika Catchings). The park also offers restrooms, quite a bit of parking, and is within walking distance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, North United Methodist Church, and a variety of shops. Accessibility is not perfect, however, it's surprisingly good. There is accessible playground equipment here and there's quite a few places that are level to the ground. There's even some wall-climbing and other specialized playground equipment. There's no question Tarkington Park has a more diverse attendance than it did pre-renovation. I think part of this is the newness of the park, some of it is a sense that it's safer here these days (Yes, there is crime in Butler-Tarkington but it's a much safer area than it was even a few years ago). Again, I've never felt unsafe here. Special events are held here fairly regularly. For the most part, the park has remained looking nice over the past few years. While there's a noteworthy lack of shade, I can't help but think the open concept is somewhat intentional in terms of safety. However, there's just a really good vibe here most of the time even if from a business aspect this area still struggles a bit - the Happy Brewery died quickly and the building has been hit by vandals. Some of the adjacent strip center storefronts are empty. CVS and Burger King went away and Crew Car Wash moved in across the street. The hospital where I used to work six blocks away is now long gone. When I was looking to buy my home, I heavily considered the Tarkington Towers condos at 40th and Meridian. I love this neighborhood and would have loved living here. Ultimately, I moved east into, you guessed it, a much rougher area where I still live. However, I drive by Tarkington Park every single day on my way home and it's so wonderful to see the park busy, vibrant, diverse, and contributing to the ever-increasing stability of this neighborhood. If you've never stopped here, you definitely should. read more

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Wow, this neighborhood park has a lot to offer. Giant playgrounds on both sides, basketball courts, tennis courts, huge splash pad, rest rooms and of course the Tea's Me shop. This park would be welcome in any neighborhood, but I am glad that this neighborhood is the recipient of it. Here it really uplifts the area. This is a great spot to take your kids, play a game with your friends, bring a blanket and have a picnic or even just find a shady spot and read a good book. read more

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This is a very cute park! There are 2 parks, a tea shop and a splash pad. We came here on a hot day, and the kids had his of fun! There's also a basketball court, swings and plenty of parking. Grown ups can sit around the splash pad or park on the benches, but there's not a lot of shade. Bring a towel for the ride home. read more

Tarkington Park - Splash pad - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is a wonderful neighborhood park located down the street from the Children's museum. The have glider swings for adults to just hang out and relax, they have 2 half and two full basketball courts, 6 tennis courts, 2 playground areas, an outdoor amphitheater and a huge grassy area to play on. One playground area is very modern. It has a bunch of rock climbing walls, saucer swings, music area (chimes, xylophones...), some huge metal slides ( i am sure they get hot), some checkerboard tables, a a round net climbing thing, climbing rope and swings. It is lined with a rubbery mat surface and has artificial grass covered hills all around. This side of the pack is where you will find the two half basket ball courts and the glider swings. In the center of the park is a tea shop and some restroom facilities. The amphitheater and grassy field is located right behind the restroom facility. On the other side of the park is a large, but flat splash pad and two full basketball courts. The courts are OK, but one is clearly better maintained than the other. There is a parking lot adjacent to the courts and right by the second play area. This play area is more traditional and had a large jungle gym with slides and an older set of swings. It is an accessible play area. The park has a covered shelter by this playground area that has picnic tables and a grill. On the same side of the park is a large bank of tennis courts. If I were to give the courts a grade I would give them a B. They are adequate and will definitely get the job done. This park has tons of parking available. There is a private lot, as well as tons of free street parking around the park's perimeter. The park touts a nice walking path, but I would probably not use it for running because it is very small. You will find tons of seating around the park, especially around the basketball courts, splash pad and playground area. This is a nice newly renovated park that is pack with amenities and worthy of a visit, especially for those families looking to kill some time heading to or coming from the Children's Museum. read more

What a beautiful park right in the thoroughfare. There's a huge beautiful church close by playing beautiful hymns on the beds each hour. There are two full and two half basketball courts, a huge playground with state of the art equipment. The metal slide is too hot in the sun, but everything else is great. Bring a towel for your kids to sit on going down the slide. Lots of grassy hills with turf, so no mud. Clean restrooms, loads of trash cans, shaded tables. Ample parking and seating for parents. 6 beautiful fenced in tennis courts, plus the old park from before renovation is still here. Great for all ages. Sadly, the huge splash area was damaged by a thief, so it's currently out of order. That breaks my heart because it's such a beautiful new park that cost so much to build. It's sad that a selfish person ruins the fun for a whole community. Shame on them. read more

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Fun and newly renovated (2017). I love this park and so does my 9 & 7 year old kids. We last went on a cold, but sunny day. There are musical instruments for the kids to play (one is missing it's drum sticks - but that is not the fault of the park). It is clean and I love that the ground is turf - keeps the mud away on those damp days. There are also basketball courts and there is a portion of the park with grass and shade for those not-damp-yet-hot-days. Free street parking makes it nice and easy to get to. The city did well to renovate this park and make it an inviting place to play and hang out. read more

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First off...all I can say is "wow" ... what a cool and unique park!! The park side has a lot more too it than the splash pad portion...but, both seem to bring a lot of smiles and joy to the kiddos! Playground This area has a terrained feature (hills to clim/roll down/slide down) then flat areas as well. There are places for them to make music....along with places to spin round and round. There is even a wall and a hill section that had the rock climbing grip holds. And slides...we must not forget slides!!! Splash pad Multiple spots where water shoots out of the ground...including rock formations...compared to other splash pads, this is the least interactive (no dumping water spots or bowls filling and dumping)....which bring simple is more enticing to get your 3 and younger involved. In summary...this park has something for each of the senses (aside from smell...although sweaty kiddos can add the smell factor...lol) definitely a park to put on the list! I read more

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This is a neighborhood gem. In my neighborhood, thankfully! The best bits: -There's a rock climbing wall. Give it a shot, too, parents! -Make some music on the huge wind chimes, xylophone, and shaker. -The ground is squishy like a gel-pro mat. -There's fake grass, and manmade hills steep enough to slide down. -There's a swing for those who are differently abled. -So many climbing objects! So much rope to scale! -The splash pad is big and wide open. -Public restrooms onsite and water fountains. -I'm Summer 2019 BRICS opened a cafe in the community building with items starting in price from $1.25 including coffee, espresso beverages, ice cream and quick service items. -Basketball courts for pick up games and people watching. Bonus: There's a BlueIndy stop across the street! Issues, in my opinion: -There's a slight trash issue...but only sometimes. Do your neighbors a favor and pick up 1 piece of trash while you're there and pop it in the bin! - This is a park where we do need to watch our kiddos. It's next to a busy street w/no barrier/fencing and though it's small, it's hilly which may require moving around as your kiddos venture all the way across the park. read more

This park is beautiful and newly built. It is definitely geared towards toddlers and not so much older children. There is a lot for a child to engage in. The park itself was very clean and well kept. I know its not in the best part of town but it appears that they are really trying to get this area to be a better place. They have these amazing swinging benches, I believe 4 or 5, and they alternate which way you face. There are a couple of half basketball courts that older kids could use. When we were there walking our dog, we did see a couple of police officers patroling in the area which made me feel a little better. read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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To be perfectly honest, I avoided going to Tarkington Park for a long time. The reason is because it's located in a not-so-good area of Indianapolis. Before I moved to Indy, I would read articles about the most dangerous places in Indianapolis (for fun, as one does). Many articles mentioned the neighborhood surrounding the Children's Museum as having the most crime. This neighborhood just so happens to be where Tarkington Park is located! The benefits never outweighed the risk, in my mind, to venture over to this park. That is, until they remodeled the playground. And then my children would stare longingly out the window as we passed it while driving from the Children's Museum. And then friends started going and reporting back about how awesome it was. OK. FINE. Yes, this park is awesome. And I felt perfectly safe! My fears were for naught. This is such a weird and cool and intuitive park, with playground equipment for all ages and abilities. It's even fun for adults -- especially the giant slide. I am so glad this park exists. In addition to the giant slide, there is a little slide, a clubhouse climbing structure, two rope structures (one that spins around!), a rock wall, a fireman's pole, musical instruments, and lots of hills and artificial grass to slide down. Seriously, try it -- you can slide down on your stomach! I am giving this park five stars because it is amazingly well thought-out. You can tell some effort was put into this park. However, there is NO shade anywhere, which is unfortunate. It didn't bother us too much because we visited on a mild spring day, but during the summer months, playing on the playground will be a sweltering endeavor. Speaking of summer: There is a splash pad just off the playground. There are also bathrooms, and a place to fill up your water bottle with filtered water, as well as two regular drinking fountains. There are also basketball courts, tennis courts, checker boards, lots of swinging benches to sit, and ANOTHER playground on the other side of the parking lot. I think this playground is the old Tarkington Park setup, before they remodeled. In the future, I've heard that they're planning on opening a cafe at the park, which will be nice! I can't wait to see it. read more

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Beautiful park in the Midtown area. During a recent tour of the Maple Crossing neighborhood, I get to see the renovations to Tarkington Park firsthand, There are many features such as basketball courts, climbing bars, and musical stations that are ideal for kids for all ages. There is also a splash plaza and a future performance shelter that can host various shows. The restored cafe will soon provide food and drink services to visitors. Upgraded restrooms and sidewalks were also part of the makeover. It was great to see the Tarkington Park project come to fruition. The park serves as a hub to one of the more diverse neighborhood in the city. Hopefully the redevelopment will continue in the surrounding areas. read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Overall I really enjoyed bringing my daughter to this park , they have a hard top side that's farely new and they have a regular playground area . It was very chill when we was here no drama or anything like that . It was also very convenient that dollar general was walking distance right across from the park , parking lot so very easy to walk to and grab drinks read more

I didn't even know this place existed until I met a friend there. The park is amazing!! They have this splash part where water just spouts up from the ground and kids can just run through and play with it. But the best part of all was the park. I don't even know how to describe it. It's got a lot of hills and valleys (lol). The ground is like the soft foam type of material so that when someone falls, it won't hurt as bad. They has really neat playground equipment that I've never seen before. Bring your kids here!!! It's worth the visit because my description doesn't do it justice. I know you can also rent out the facility that is attached to it but I'm not sure how much it cost. Definitely will be coming here much more often!! read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This park is disgusting. It has the potential to be nice, but it is damaged, littered, filled with vagrants, and people smoking pot. Lots of the benches have parts missing, trash is strewn everywhere, weeds grow in the mulch, graffiti covers the bathroom doors, and it's generally a sad looking spot. It has so much potential, but it's ruined by the people who misuse it. It could be such a bright spot in the neighborhood, but I do not feel safe bringing my children here. There even appears to have been a fire on the playground which melted the rubber. See photos attached. read more

Wow! What a great addition to the neighborhood! This park used to be a lot smaller and frankly, the neighborhood was not that inviting. But in the past few years, there has been a major reconstruction of 38th Street from the fairgrounds towards the Art Museum and this block in particular is looking much better. There still is the small playground and shelter on the north end by the parking lot off Illinois. There is a basketball court and lots of open ground for playing and running. But the southern half of the park has the rec center and ultra cool playground with the spongy padded rolling hills that allow kids to climb, play music, jump, swing and go wild! Oh, and there's a spray park between the parking lot and the rec center and some half court basketball courts to the east. They even added some additional parking on 39th for convenience. I would really love to see this area of town see a revitalization to the glory that once marked the near north side. If this park is an example of the city's commitment to making a difference, then things will be well on their way! Review #716 read more

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This park is lots of fun! The 7 year old loves the merry go round, climbing structures and splash pad. The 20 month old loves the baby swings, the chimes that make music and a concrete tunnel to crawl through. There is very little shade unless you sit or stand the right up against the building. On hot and sunny days the rubber surface is really hot and the metal slides will fry little legs. Just north of the new playground and splash pad is the old playground. This playground has shade during some parts of the day. The splash pad has some "rocks" that bubble up water which is perfect for toddlers to play at. read more

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We love this park! It's one of our favorite Indy Parks. It has everything we need with the playground, nice bathrooms, splash pad, & now ice cream! There are areas for multiple age groups which I always appreciate. It's also the perfect park after it rains because it's turf not grass. read more

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Wow, this is going to be an awesome park. It's brand-spanking new and there's a ton of stuff for the little ones to do. There's several rock-climbing areas (nothing dangerous, just a lot of stuff to traverse - complete with hand- and foot-holds.) There's an area to make music (xylophones, chimes, etc.) There's an array of swings, some nice basketball courts and chesstables. It looks like there's also going to be some kind of indoor activity area, too. read more

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A perfect little park. It is well maintained, safe, lots of fun, and there is ample parking.

This place is a blast. I love they built this park. Their is alot of fun things to do. Me and my daughter love to just run around on the soft material. Plus there is music instrument to try out. You should definally give this place a tet. read more

This park is very close to my heart! It's the one I went to growing up, and I took my daughter here a few times when she was younger. In my day (ha!) it was always overflowing with kids on the swings, all of the equipment in the play area, basketball & tennis courts, and the baseball diamond. In my teen years, this was THE place to play basketball. People would come from all over just to get a spot on the court. I've watched the crowds dwindle over the years, and when I drive by there's only a few kids here and there...however! That changed when I drove by this past weekend. The sun peeked out and revealed the revitalized park, and there were kids everywhere! It was beautiful and vibrant, with new state of the art equipment, turf, and other things that I'm really not familiar with because my daughter isn't little anymore, so... ;) But the kids that were there loved it! The park renovation is part of a larger economic development plan for the Midtown area, so there is lots more to come. There was also a rec center that is available for rental, public restrooms, and another basketball court. The older basketball & tennis courts and play area are still there, and there's still plenty of green space to take advantage of. The only thing missing is a pool! I always wanted that in the neighborhood when I was little, there is only one nearby and it's private. And that's another story. ;) read more

Hands down I believe this will quickly be voted as Indy's best park! The new grounds are fantastic in every way! They incorporate music, exercise, a variety of materials - individual activities and group activities. The fact that everything is Astro turf and that the hills were purposefully made to be easy to slide down for kiddos - is amazing! the rubber side walks are "bouncy" says my three year old! The slides are fast and fun for all ages! The rock climbing areas are incentive and the musical instruments are a fave for our kids! The family swings are neat and we can't wait for the splash pad and the cafe/coffee shop/ etc that will hopefully be open in the spring or summer! What a great addition to the neighborhood! Great park! read more

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Had no idea the transformation and expansion of this park. Its very new age with the turf, splash park and looks more like an art installation than a park. Theres even a rock climbing wall and bouncy grounds. Quite the experience and seems safe for all ages. read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Yessss!!!! If there were a park that I could dream up in my mind - this would be it! This park is so perfect! I don't even know where to start - or end for that matter! So I'm going to list out the wonderful things about this new Tarkington Park experience: 1. I LOVE the turf! The soft grass-like surface that protects my childs face from falling off when she falls is absolutely brilliant! No gravel = no dirty clothes! 2. The musical activities - We LOVE the west-side of the park where you can make music with your little ones! Great idea :) 3. The toddler friendly designes: toddler swings, toddler slide, and toddler tunnel - these are all very friendly for my 2 and under toddler! 4. The benches - feeling a little exhausted after a hot summer day, dont fret, you can totally sit and take a rest... Do feel like being stationary? You can totes sit on a swinging bench! So everytime the sun peaks its big head, we will consider Tarkington Park!!! Great community adventure! read more

I am guilty of not visiting this park before its renovations. I didn't like how close it was to the busy street and it just didn't look inviting. It's a wonderful park, the renovations to the area (yes can't wait for that supermarket to come in!) have been exactly what this area needed. We love the massive splash pad and futuristic playground. Wish there was some shade, but very thankful they incorporated seating all the way around the new part of the park to enclose it and give some place for parents to watch their kids. Absolutely one of the funniest parks for little ones in the city! read more

Great medium sized park bordered by 39th St, 40th St, Meridian, & Illinois. Has a nice activity area playground for the kids, a building w/ bathrooms & water fountains, a large field perfect for lounging, picnicking, or impromptu soccer & football games. Tarkington Park also boasts basketball courts & a large fenced in area containing (I think) 5 tennis courts. It's also conveniently located next to a Double 8 grocery & a gas station convenience store for last minute lunch supplies. read more

We brought my boyfriend's kids to this park and had a great time!! I love that the grass is fake so we didn't get dirty and the pavement was soft and bouncy to avoid getting hurt. Great diversity at this park as well! The kids made friends and the parents were friendly too! read more

Saw a used condom by the playground here. Notified indyparks over a week ago and no response.

Bravo Indy Parks!!! I absolutely love this park. They have added a completely new section that is state-of-the-art and awesome. From rock wall climbs to the cushioned ground under the rock wall climb. From the awesome Sly that is built into the natural heel of the land to the hand-held Nubs that help the kids negotiate the natural grid eation of the land this place is amazing. They have benches facing the basketball courts and also facimg the playground area that swing for parents which is wonderful. There is also a community facility that I think is available maybe to rent there are bathrooms that are open outside for kids and then there is a new Splash area. They even kept the original older park playground facilities which is on the other side of the splash par. this place is amazing this place is innovative this place is cutting edge this place is big fat fun I'm going to stop this review so I can keep running around with the kids. read more

Tarkington Park - Tennis Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Great new park just north of downtown. My kids LOVED playing here! It's great that it isn't your typical play set... it has many different and creative ways to play. Small hills all over covered in astro turf are so fun for kids to climb (some areas have rock climbing handles) and then also to slide down it as well. Hills can be a little obstructive when looking around for your child. Large/wide metal slide is a HUGE hit with the kids. Just be sure kids are not climbing up it, they will be taken out by the next kids zooming down. Family swings are nice and relaxing, but I wish they overlooked the play area a little better. Twirly climb thing is pretty cool too, it goes around pretty fast... and also a crowd favorite. I also loved that many of the older kids (who were here this time and last) were very respectful and aware of the younger kids = if they wanted off the twirly thing, and stopping it for them. great! hope this is so every time! Also 2 half court basketball, chimes and xylophones are great fun, and the cement tunnel is cool as well! also so much more! And can't wait to check out the indoor are and restrooms and water/splash pad and other areas once completed! read more