Rev. Charles R. Williams Park signage
Rev. Charles R. Williams Park playground
Richard P.
Sep 21, 2023
Rev. Charles R. Williams Park is Indy's latest public park. Named after the late Indiana Black Expo president and the founder of Indy's Circle City Classic, Rev. Charles R. Williams Park resulted from an over $2 million partnership between a Land and Water Conservation Funds Grant matched by Indy Parks. The park features horseshoe courts, new playground equipment, a picnic shelter, an open lawn area, a perimeter loop trail, and a connection to the Monon Trail. The space also offers a universal expression swing, rubberized surfaces in a variety of colors and patterns, an arch basket swing, a sensory cove, musical equipment, and more. The park is located within a residential area and is relatively small at about 7 acres. Parking is clearly defined, though this is very much a neighborhood park rather than a destination park. Rev. Charles R. Williams Park was officially named in 2015, though it's actual development has taken several years. The resulting park may not be Indy's fanciest park, however, it is a fine legacy for Rev. Williams's long history of community work in Indianapolis. With an official ribbon-cutting on 9/20/23, Rev. Charles R. Williams Park honors a man who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Indy's African-American residents. He became Black Expo president in 1980, initially as a volunteer before a Lilly Grant began funding staff in 1983. Rev. Williams served as Special Assistant under Mayors Lugar and Hudnut and was instrumental in the city's first observance of Black History Month. He also organized the first Indy Jazz Fest in 1989. An ordained minister, he provided leadership for several organizations and received a myriad of community awards. He passed away from cancer in 2004. If you get a chance, I'd definitely check out this latest addition to the Indy Parks network of neighborhood parks.
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