The Indianapolis City-County Council Parks and Recreation Committee voted to pass Proposal 259, the annual budget for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County for 2026, after a presentation from Indianapolis Parks and Recreation leadership and several public comments urging increased, sustained funding for parks and urban-forest preservation.

Indy Parks Director Crowe told the committee the department is continuing projects funded by Lilly Endowment grants, has opened registration for fall programs and is reviewing its fee structure to cover rising costs. “Registration for our fall programs is now open,” Director Crowe said during the presentation. He noted the department has awarded multiple contracts tied to Lilly Endowment projects and recognized deputy director Don Colvin and other staff for their role delivering those projects.

The presentation emphasized the department’s mix of funding sources, including the parks general fund, federal grants, ARPA, Circle City Forward, Lilly Endowment grants and a $2,000,000 spring fiscal investment previously approved by the council. Director Crowe said staff are convening weekly in a “revenue recovery” work group to evaluate revenue streams and “think critically about where we are getting the right value for the services that we're providing.” He said any fee changes would be reviewed and voted on by the Parks Board.

Committee members and public commenters used the meeting to press for new, recurring revenue. Councilor Jared Evans (District 17) said he voted yes on the budget but criticized reliance on one-time funding and urged civic partners to propose solutions. “I'm voting yes because I believe in our parks,” Evans said. “But for the reasons that have been mentioned tonight in public comment, this is not okay.”

Public commenters suggested several revenue options and emphasized land acquisition. Miss Brooke Water urged the committee and council to consider a broader set of funding tools, including a wheel tax. Jeff Stant, a resident who gave his zip code as 46219, said parks are underfunded compared with the overall city budget and urged a citywide conversation about prioritizing green space: “Would you like a soccer stadium or would you like more parks? I bet you the parks would win hands down across the city,” Stant said.

A speaker who identified themself as the founder of Forest for All and co-chair of the Progressive Democrats of America’s Indianapolis chapter said advocates have raised more than $3,000,000 for urban-forest preservation and urged greater city investment. Several speakers named local forest parcels for acquisition, including Haverstick Creek, East Side Flatwoods, the Woods Along Goose Creek and the I-70 Woods.

Arts sector representatives also addressed the committee. Judith Thomas, president and CEO of the Indy Arts Council, said the council is working on new funding models and partnerships with civic agencies, and said recent city support includes $1,300,000 in funding and a potential additional $500,000 from the CIB or bond bank. “We are working as a team from a civic perspective with our civic partners as well as the mayor's office and others in discussions on how we can get more funding,” Thomas said.

The meeting also included brief operational updates: Director Crowe noted Garfield Park Conservatory programming and an upcoming ribbon cutting for the Holiday Park playground planned with the Holiday Park Foundation. He said some Lilly Endowment–funded projects are already under construction while others await specialized purchase orders or environmental remediation.

After a roll call on Proposal 259, the transcript records “Budget passed.” The transcript does not include a detailed vote tally or the names of a mover and seconder for the motion in the committee record available in the transcript.

The Parks department said staff will return to the committee and the administration with more detailed revenue proposals over the coming months as the revenue-recovery work group continues its review.