Parks and Recreation Committee Budget Hearing - September 4, 2025

The Indianapolis City-County Council's Parks and Recreation Committee met on September 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to hear proposed 2026 budgets from the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Arts Council of Indianapolis. The meeting included presentations, questions from council members, and public testimony.

Parks and Recreation Budget Presentation

• Director Brittany Crohn and CFO Jonathan George presented the 2026 budget, highlighting a 2.5% increase in character one (personnel) due to COLA and health insurance, offset by eliminating 19 long-vacant positions (mostly lifeguard positions at Willard Pool, which is closing due to Indigo Blue Line construction). Overall, the parks general fund decreased by $174,000 in character two (supplies) and $75,000 in character four (local grants), primarily by reducing seasonal concessions, water treatment chemicals, and clothing/uniform purchases.
• Director Crohn reported record park usage: over 10.3 million visitors in 2025, 218 parks covering 11,000 acres, and 780 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff. She highlighted new amenities such as the Grassy Creek Environmental Education Center, the Riverside Adventure Park, and a new splash pad at Washington Park, as well as the continuation of the Drive-in-Dish food program (expanded to seven park locations) and the Indy Parks Corps job training program for at-risk youth.
• Councilors expressed strong concern about flat or reduced funding. Councilor Evans stated the budget is "not getting the job done" and called parks a "moral failure" from the mayor. Councilor Brown said cuts are "unacceptable" and that a flat budget would be more palatable. Councilor Carlino said she would vote no unless the budget is at least flat. Councilor Delaney urged review of user fees for corporate park users. Councilor Bain questioned the maintenance agreement with DPW and advocated for consolidating park maintenance under parks. Councilor McCormick asked about camp fees and the impact of eliminating 19 positions on future staff.
• Deputy Director Don Colvin noted the deferred maintenance backlog is between $300 million and $400 million just to stay operational.

Arts Council of Indianapolis Budget Presentation

• CEO Judith Thomas presented the Arts Council's request for level funding at $1.3 million from the city. She reported 103 grant awardees in 2025 (a 128% increase since 2016), $1.95 million in grants distributed, and $2.3 million from Bond Bank and CIB. She noted the loss of $50,000 in NEA grant funding and a 38% cut to state arts commission funding, jeopardizing one-third of public arts dollars. The Arts Council's strategic plan focuses on sustainable funding, everyday access, awareness, professional development, and making Indianapolis an arts destination.
• Councilors questioned the sustainability of CIB and Bond Bank funding. Councilor Brown noted that city arts funding as a percentage of GDP is half of what it was in 2005, while the city budget has tripled. Councilor Carlino urged continued conversations about opioid settlement funding for arts-based wellness programs.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Seven members of the public testified in support of increased arts funding. Key speakers:
  • Julia Whitehead (Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library) praised the youth writing program and said it serves 70% of IPS student population.
  • Stephen Lane (Fonseca Du Bois Gallery) criticized the mayor's budget, calling $2 million for arts in a $1.7 billion budget "an insult" and urged redirecting police funds to arts.
  • Jenny Werner (New Harmony Project) described the impact of city funding on developing new plays, noting a $40,000 NEA cut.
  • Julie Goodman (The Cabaret) shared that city funding supports free concerts and master classes; noted the Cabaret lost $20,000 NEA grant and 34% state funding.
  • Marty Miles (Indianapolis Women's Chorus) emphasized the mental health benefits of singing and the need for support for small nonprofits.
  • Monica Muñoz (Kids Dance Outreach) said over 2,000 children served annually; funding was cut by 50% last year.
  • Elena Thompson (Arts for Lawrence) highlighted the musical swings and urged continued support.
  • David Starkey (Indianapolis Opera) called $1.3 million a "devaluation" and asked for increased investment.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the committee received the presentations for discussion.
• Several committee members indicated they would oppose any cuts to the parks or arts budgets.
• The committee will continue to review the budgets ahead of full council consideration.
• Director Crohn committed to exploring fee increases and additional fundraising through the Parks Alliance.
• The Arts Council will continue discussions with the administration about CIB and Bond Bank funding levels.