Willard Park Aquatic Center

Construction for the parks first swimming pool began. A picnic shelter was also added on the west corner of the park’s grounds.

Willard Park’s bathhouse for the public pool is built. This structure still stands today, and serves as the front entrance to the aquatics center.

During this year, the city’s Parks and Recreation department sold 3.7 acres of its land in for a nearby fire station and the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency tower.

The story of Sylvia Likens is well known to Indianapolis natives. Sylvia lived in a nearby home in the 1960’s. Her story ends in her passing as a result of child abuse under the supervision and care of a neighbor. In 2001, the City of Indianapolis in collaboration with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police department erected a memorial in her honor, promising to create a safer environment for the city’s youth. This memorial is located in the west corner of Willard Park along the walking path.

Willard Park has undergone quite a few renovations and improvements since its 1907 establishment. The swimming pool, picnic shelter, walking trail, baseball diamond, and basketball courts have seen numerous renovations in previous years with the addition of a newly paved basketball court and spray ground.