Every weekend is a busy one for West Indianapolis resident Priscilla Jackson. She’s the mother of two kids, ages 12 and 14, but every weekend her small family expands.
“On any given Saturday, I usually have between four and six middle school kids over at my house, and the No. 1 goal always is basketball,” she said.
The kids play outside most of the year at courts throughout the neighborhood, but during cold or rainy days they usually walk to the Rhodius Park Family Center’s gym.
It’s usually a fun and free way to get some exercise and build their skills. But earlier this month, the kids tried to go play and saw a sign that announced a new fee for the gym — $1 for each teen to use the gym and $3 for adults.
One of the kids had recently turned 13, but no one had any cash. Jackson’s son, Ames, called her to say they were going to come back home.
“Thankfully, I was home and able to go down there. But had I not been, they would literally have had nothing. They haven’t been back down since,” Jackson said. “The thing that bothered me the most is that every single one of them was going to leave because of $1 which doesn’t sound like a ton of money, but it’s obviously a deterrent for a lot of kids in this neighborhood.”
The dollar charge is part of an updated system of fees for Indy Parks amenities like pools, gyms and shelter and room rentals throughout the city. The increase was approved by the board in December.
Indy Parks Chief Communications Officer Alex Cortwright said the fees would help pay for rising operating costs in the 2027 budget, but no child will be turned away for not being able to pay the fee.
“Indy Parks is focused on being the most affordable option for residents,” he said. “We’re always a very low-cost option for folks, and that is always going to be the first priority for us.”
Why does Indy Parks need more money?
When the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1 last year, it gave homeowners a $300 property tax cut. It also exempted businesses with less than $1 million in personal property, basically all property except real estate, from having to pay property taxes.
Those tax cuts are predicted to reduce the city’s property tax revenue by $10 million this year, $20 million in 2027 and $30 million in 2028.
Most city departments were asked to submit budget proposals that cut costs by 4%. Indy Parks was budgeted about $300,000 less than it was in 2025.
“I think when you look at the property tax changes, it’s a conversation that parks departments across the state are having — How do we maintain that funding so that we can continue to offer the amenities and programs that we do?” Cortwright said.
The rising cost of utilities like electricity, water and natural gas is a big concern for the department. Utility use at family centers, pools, splash pads and other park amenities usually cost the department between $2-3 million, but last year utility costs topped $3 million.
With the new fee adjustments, Indy Parks expects to collect an additional $262,744 in revenue, or about 5-6% of the department’s projected revenue.
The new fees
Indy Parks said the fee updates include new fees and some that haven’t been changed in several years.
Admission for indoor/outdoor pools
Used to be: $2-$5 per person.
Now: $3-$6 per person (varies by location).
Indy Parks said it makes only about $1 for every $6 it spends to operate and maintain pools and hasn’t raised admissions fees for seven years.
The fee increase will grow revenue by $105,449 and cover the costs of staff, chemicals and utilities.
Fees for gyms and weight rooms
Used to be: Most gyms were free for kids; weight rooms $3-$10.
Now: Gyms $1 for teens; weight rooms $4-$13 (varies by location).
Most gyms were previously free to use for kids and teens. Some places, like the Rhodius Park Family Center, now charge. Weight rooms are open to adults and teens aged 15-17 years old accompanied by a guardian.
Fees will be increased at every park except Eagle Creek, which raised its fees in 2024. Other parks haven’t raised fees since 2020.The new fees will increase yearly revenue by $41,280 and help cover staffing costs.
Shelter rental pricing
Used to be: $45-$285 (depending on size and location).
Now: $55-$310.
The fees will raise $65,960 and cover the costs of keeping the shelters clean.
Room rental pricing
Room rentals will cost $20 more than last year, except for Eagle Creek Marina and Eagle Creek Crest.
The new fees will raise $50,085 and cover staff and utility costs.
New alcohol fees
Indy Parks introduced a $100 fee for any special events that serve alcohol.
The revenue gained depends on how many events are held this year. In 2024, 46 special events with alcohol were held, and 25 events in 2025.
Will higher prices discourage parkgoers?
Jackson, the West Indianapolis mom, said she understands why Indy Parks needs to increase rates, but believes only adults should be charged for their use.
“Budgetary issues are not our kids’ fault,” she said. “I don’t think they should be charging them to use that facility. We already pay for it with taxes. If it’s not enough, then they need to find a different answer.”
Cortwright said Indy Parks will try to find new ways to help people to pay for the new fees, like a $5 monthly option.
“We’re certainly flexible, and our intention is to serve everyone who wants to be there,” he said. “If you have a kid who is there to play basketball, they’re not going to turn him or her away. They’re going to work with them and make sure that individual kids have what they need.”
How to find your park’s rates
To find out how your park’s rates have changed, check out the Indy Parks locator. You can find the contact information and social media pages for the park nearest you.
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Mirror Indy reporter Enrique Saenz covers west Indianapolis. Contact him at 317-983-4203 or enrique.saenz@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on Bluesky at @enriquesaenz.bsky.social.
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