This month’s historic flooding has forced the Indy Art Center to postpone the public grand reopening of ArtsPark following a two-year, .7 million restoration and revitalization of Indianapolis’ original art and nature park.
The restoration was nearing completion before floodwaters damaged landscaping and affected several newly renovated areas throughout the park.
“Work was actually ahead of schedule, and we had just taken down the construction fencing and reinstalled most of the sculptures after having them restored and cleaned,” said Mark Williams, president of the Indy Art Center. “We’re working to assess the cost of redoing much of the work.”
ArtsPark was originally scheduled to reopen with a free community event in September. However, many of the park’s new trees and plantings were killed by the flooding and will need to be replaced. Recently repaired sculptures must be cleaned again, while mud and silt must be removed from new metal railings, limestone plazas and the wooden boardwalk.
The park is now scheduled to reopen during Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest and Autumntidings on Oct. 17 from noon to 5 p.m.
Once ArtsPark reopens, visitors will be able to explore its wooded and open spaces while discovering 26 sculptures, including five new works by renowned sculptor and former Indiana University South Bend professor Dora Natella. A new, fully accessible boardwalk will offer fresh views of the White River, while limestone steps will provide access to the riverbank.
Guests can also relax at the JoeWill Together Forever Plaza, a limestone gathering space created in memory of Joe and Will Lawrance, and experience how the redesigned park creates stronger connections among the Indy Art Center, White River and Monon Trail.
ArtsPark opened in 2005 as an outdoor creativity and sculpture garden designed by iconic architect Michael Graves. More than two decades later, the nearly $4 million restoration is introducing new ways for visitors to engage with art, nature and two of Indianapolis’ most treasured outdoor resources.
