Hundreds of neighbors cheered when Indy Parks & Recreation proudly opened the doors of its newest family center at Windsor Village Park on Indianapolis in January 2009, courtesy of dynamic public/private funding collaborative led by CICF affiliate, The Indianapolis Foundation.

The OLD one-room family center.

What initially began as a feasibility study evolved into a centerpiece of revitalization for an economically depressed area of Indianapolis. Area community organizations, the Indianapolis Parks Foundation, the City of Indianapolis, and Synthesis Incorporated (a firm specializing in architecture, landscape and interior design) all collaborated to help create an inspiring venue. And the Indianapolis Foundation provided $250,000 toward the $2 million project costs.
 

An Inspiring Place

NEW Windsor Village Park Family Center

With an abundance of natural light and vibrant colors, the
center houses a gymnasium, computer lab, kitchen, game room, fitness room, and community meeting rooms. The
family room provides space for residents to meet, interact and socialize. The new family center is a safe haven for neighborhood kids. “We worked closely with the residents of Windsor Village, ensuring the facility would embrace the social, cultural and recreational needs of the tight-knit community,” said Jenelle Smagala, President of Synthesis Inc.

The surrounding park includes a fitness trail, playgrounds, open lawn play areas and a playground. Many of the mature trees and wooded fence lines on the property have been preserved, benefitting wildlife and the environment, while maintaining a green corner of the community.
 

A Synergy Of Initiatives

The family center’s interior, features and surrounding grounds were designed to inspire. And the services and programs align with CICF’s Family Success Initiative. After school services help provide working families the support needed to improve their economic circumstances, and spaces for social activities provide families the opportunity to spend time together and with neighbors.

“This family center provides opportunities for health and wellness, social interaction, education and recreation for all the residents of Windsor Village,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

Other funders included the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Finish Line Youth Foundation, Indianapolis Power & Light Co., Irwin Union Bank, Synthesis Incorporated and Safeco Insurance Foundation.
 

Make a Difference!

For more information on how to get involved with the Windsor Village Park Family Center project,
email or contact the Indianapolis Parks Foundation's Executive Director, Cindy Porteous, or call 317.860.3250.  For additional information you may also visit the Indianapolis Parks Foundation website.