Hot Shot Tot Lot

This park is considered a "mini park" by Indy Parks & Recreation. And it is indeed mini: It's only 0.14 acres in size! So it's definitely not a destination park, but more of a park to visit if you happen to be in the immediate area (the neighborhood of Fountain Square) with a child and need a place to burn off some energy.Hot Shot Tot Lot is a lot of fun to say, and somewhat fun to at which to play. Despite the name, this isn't a toddler playground -- it's more for early elementary-aged children. There are two big slides, swings and a few things to climb. There are also picnic benches and some regular benches, plus lots of mature trees that provide shade. When I visited, the park was very clean, and you can tell some entity (either Indy Parks or the neighborhood or both) take care of this little park.

This is a decent neighborhood park. Probably not worth traveling to though. It is relatively small and consist of a large plastic slide, a set of swings and a small jungle gym play set. The area is fenced off and has some neat decorations on the fence. There is also a bench to sit and take a load off. The playground floor is lined with wood chips. The park is moderately maintained, and could use a little TLC. The park sign (with the park's awesome name) has disappeared and you would probably never guess that this was an Indy Park. It looks more like a HOA park.As far as parking, you can easily find street parking around the parks perimeter if you drive, but as I mentioned, it is mostly a neighborhood park and most people will just walk to it.

In the wedge neighborhood formed by the intersection of Virginia and Shelby Streets in Fountain Square, a small playground was added on a corner lot of Grove and Elm.The playground is fenced and has a mulch base throughout the entire play area. Slides and swings are the main source of entertainment/activity for the park. The park has no dedicated parking and does not have running water or restroom facilities, so plan a visit accordingly.Review #538

You're reading this right: Hot Shot Tot Lot! Yosemite... meh. Yellowstone... meh. Those names of parks, and those parks!, have nothing on Indy Parks's Hot Shot Tot Lot!At first I thought it was someone's yard, and they made their own "park" sign. Alas... that's a government-funded, designed, official park sign & name!Their website description isn't joking... it's mini. Like a side yard mini... It's pretty awesome that it's smack in the middle of a neighborhood. I mean... there were kids playing in the street so it makes sense to have something for them not in the street; yet... the leftover underwear and soda cups sprinkled through out might deter kids from entering. I think it might be exactly why kids in the future will be afraid of parks.... get the drift?I feel like the name calls to be more of a meet up for hipsters than really a kids' park. Let it be known... this is the best name of anything in Indianapolis. No other title can compare. So this review is really to make sure everyone is aware there is a place called Hot Shot Tot Lot, and it's right here in our fare city.

Good news (or at least I think so). The name will remain unchanged. It was all a misunderstanding over a shorthand memo in the minutes of last month's meeting.KaBOOM! is an American non-profit organization that helps communities build playgrounds for children. The North Square Neighborhood Association is seeking their aid in getting new playground equipment for the "Hot Shot Tot Lot". So all is well.

It's like someone decided to take a vacant lot, put it to use as a park and give it the most awesomest name possible. Well I say mission accomplished. The park itself isn't mush, but it doesn't have much room to work. Just a slide, a couple swings and a bench. And of course that awesome name.

I was really excited about this little park. It was within walking distance of where I work as a nanny taking care of 3 toddlers. I decided to check it out. Unfortunately I will not be coming back until the kids are older. There are 2 large gaps in the fence just sitting there wide open. The gaps are on opposite sides of the lot so it is impossible to gaurd the openings to prevent children from running out if you are there alone with several 1yr olds. Plus the equipment is not really appropriate for toddlers. I guess I assumed it was a toddler park because of the name "tot lot" definitely more appropriate for school age kids.