Renovations are underway at historic Washington Park in north Indianapolis. Indy Parks officials began work on the park this week.

The $3.5 million project will add parking, event space, a shelter and a splash pad for visitors, and replace the park’s central playground.

Funding for the project comes from the Lilly Endowment, which last year provided $80 million to improve 42 parks in the Indy Parks system.

“The continued support of the Lilly Endowment means we can continue to invest wisely in our city’s parks,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a press release. “The project at Washington Park will transform one of our largest city parks by providing our residents more opportunities and space to play, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.”

Alex Cortwright, Indy Parks’ communications director, says this is a generational investment for the neighborhood’s residents.

“We can make these investments that will really improve the quality of life and the common good in the decades to come,” he said.

Washington Park currently has more than 120 acres of green space and walking trails, a golf course and a mountain bike trail.

The park was formerly the home of the Indianapolis Indians and a black baseball team, the Indianapolis AB-Cs. It was also home to the Indianapolis Zoo for over two decades and hosted events such as the Indiana Black Expo.

“This new project will ensure it will continue to serve our community for decades to come, improving residents’ quality of life and preserving the rich heritage of our beloved park,” City and County Councilor Ron Gibson said in a statement.

Other parks in the area that have been modernized include Rev. Charles R. Williams Park and Frederick Douglass Park.

Indy Parks officials expect renovations at Washington Park to be completed by next summer.