One of the treats my grandparents shared with me when I was very young was a trip to the Sunken Gardens in Garfield Park at dusk to watch the water in the fountains dance in coordination to changing colored lights. It was a spectacle I treasure.

Having lived less than a mile from Garfield Park for more than 37 years and being active in the community, I have been disappointed with the city’s care of this treasure, the city’s first park. While there are a number of features that provide recreational opportunities, there is tremendous potential for family entertainment and leisure that the city should initiate. All of this is spite of the objections of narrow-minded neighbors who consider the park part of their yards.

Garfield Park can become a self-sustaining part of the city that can provide more opportunities for family leisure in the following ways.

First, the conservatory and Sunken Gardens are underutilized features that could benefit from the tasteful addition of dining facilities. An architectural addition to the conservatory could provide space for a bistro-type dining area overlooking the Sunken Gardens. The bistro could serve lunch and dinner along with a nice selection of beer and wine. I imagine people visiting this addition from Downtown, Fountain Square and businesses such as Eli Lilly and Co. Part of the profits from this venture could be used to maintain the conservatory and gardens.

Second, I believe that the large field to the west of the Arts Center holds the potential for a possible arcade and amusement rides appropriate for children and adults. I would enjoy a view of Downtown from a Ferris wheel facing north from the spot I mentioned, or a ride on a merry-go-round with my wife. Again, concessions and fees could be used to maintain the park. All of this could be enhanced with better, more frequent entertainment at the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, the Arts Center, and better use of the Burillo Center.

Indianapolis has beautiful parks in the inner city that are underutilized. The problem as I see it has been the expansion of Indy Parks responsibilities and diversion of resources to the newer, bigger parks in the suburban areas and narrow-minded citizens who live close to the parks. The solution is to find ways to make the inner-city jewels like Garfield, Brookside and White River Parks self-sustaining.

Jack Price

Indianapolis