Park had trash all over the place and the playground equipment was raggedy and tore up. This is the park that everyone in the hood uses for a daycare they drop their kids off in the morning, leave them there all day unsupervised during the summer so you can't leave anything you own laying around for even a couple of minutes without somebody stealing it. Grown men acting like immature children playing games of dice and killing each other over their disputes of such. Just had a 11yr old kid shot over there and nobody will even come forward as to what happened. Don't let the news articles fool you, this is one of worst parks in Indy.
Restrooms
Disgusting.
Dog-friendliness
So long as the people visiting the park don't have a problem with your dog it's fine. But people really to teach their kids to stop rushing at people's dogs because that is dangerous.
Picnic area
Ants all over the tables, trash cans always overflowing with garbage.

This park is disgusting. It has the potential to be nice, but it is damaged, littered, filled with vagrants, and people smoking pot. Lots of the benches have parts missing, trash is strewn everywhere, weeds grow in the mulch, graffiti covers the bathroom doors, and it’s generally a sad looking spot. It has so much potential, but it’s ruined by the people who misuse it. It could be such a bright spot in the neighborhood, but I do not feel safe bringing my children here. There even appears to have been a fire on the playground which melted the rubber. See photos attached. Splash pad was also recently vandalized and wasn’t running for a few months this summer.

Solid park. Not much in the way of shade trees, but there are two playgrounds that are well appointed with climbing, crawling, swinging and merry-go round. Basketball court. Enough grass for touch football, soccer or ultimate Frisbee. Not sure if the tennis courts are part of this property or are owned by the adjacent high rise apartments. The splash park, and ice cream shop are closed due to covid, but they're great when they are open. My kids love it. The bigger playground is new with astroturf and padded rubber pavers instead of sand or mulch, so the kids don't get as grubby playing hard here as they do at other parks.

Update: This park isn't safe anymore. Crime in the area especially at the park has gone up. I don't come here anymore. Children should have a safe place to have fun and play. I never knew there was a park over here until my sister told me about it. It's very nice and clean. There is a club house that you can rent out. There are bathrooms and water fountains that's available to those visiting the park. There's a lot of activities for all different ages, including 2 basketball courts and illuminated water spouts that you can play in.

This park is very cool! I often walk by this park on my way home from work, and it is really cool. If you have kids, they will love toys park. There are swings, jungle gyms, slides, things that make music, basketball courts, and other cool things. The ground is made up of soft springy rubber material that is pretty interesting to walk on. There are bathrooms, water fountains, and I think there is a water activity in the summer time. If I were a kid, I would love this playground!

Took my grkids2 get them outta the house2 have some fun time.It stared 2 rain tho.They played 4 a while tho.My grandson was beefing with sm kids had 2 make sure he was good2 Asante was being harrased by sm kid's he handles himself tho. Glad he knows how 2 fight if need b.Hes a tough cookie,timid boy but can b a Monster2.He have me dyn,he's really funny.

Great park. The place is beautiful and seems to be well kept. I am impressed with how well the property managment does with this park. Nothing ever seems to be out of place, and it has easily accessible parking which is a huge plus for many people. Thank you for being clean, it’s a group effort between managment and the neighbors.

Really fun park. The community is being revitalized, the park is kept up nicely, and you can bring your dogs! The water feature is super fun for the kids, and pets. Absolutely love the astro-turf area of the park and the relaxing bench swings could just lull you to sleep. My son loved it and we definitely will be going back.

So this park is new and awesome but sometimes its really dirty and kids are being inappropriate and lack adult supervision. I had to call the police on several occasions before. I really try to limit our time here becsuse sometimes there are problems. So sad its new and awesome but people make it not worth going there.

The new playground and the splash pad were gorgeous! My toddler could have stayed for much longer. A friendly park employee told us about plans for the inside space to have concessions, etc. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because there is no shade on the playground side and the metal equipment got very hot.

It was clean & the ppl were wonderful. I took my 1 yr old granddaughter. It was our first time there. She had a blast. The guys playing ball stopped playing so she could play w their ball. The little kids included her even tho she really couldnt keep up. It was amazing. I'll def be taling her back.

Pretty awesome park for all ages. Lots of different movement activities. Three different types of swings, rock wall, climbing apparatuses, and apparently a coffee shop? I didn't go in there. Easily accessible for handicapped, plenty of bench seating around edge of large, padded-floor playground.

Love this park. The playground equipment is still in very good condition and the basketball courts are incredible. Could benefit from a little roadwork around the park as it is much harder to get out of parking areas than it is to get into them (near impossible depending on the time of day).

This park is a complete turnaround from what the area used to be. They have done a fantastic job of making this a desirable place to be for locals. The splashpad is hours of enjoyment and the park is very, very well done. It's a great summertime destination, and best of all, it's free!

I love the why and how this place came to be. The design is so fun and reminds me of a Dr Seuss book. The sad part is the unacceptable amount of broken glad that I had to drive through in the parking lot and walk over on the sidewalk to get to a kid's birthday party celebration there.

I love Tarkington Park because my kids love Tarkington Park they have all the things a park should have they got basketball courts playgrounds tennis court splash pad so if you're looking to have it all out good time this summer I would suggest going to hang out at Tarkington

You will find... a shelter, a meeting place and a splash pad at this park. It is in a quiet spot. One little known feature is a putt putt course. You will have to call the parks department for find out more about mini golf. Yes there are swings and yes there are slides!

The ideal location for the familly to unwind and spend some quality time, especially during the summer months. Newly renovated play are as well, ideal spot for a familly picnic or a romantic outing. Oh and what a phenomenal view of the setting sun

Nice place to play tennis. 6-8 courts. Courts are in pretty nice condition and some of the nets are and some are not. Tarkington towers directly across the street. Very convenient for people near Butler campus. Parking area has some huge potholes to navigate.

Love the new section of this park. The playground is really updated and all turf. There's a fountain style splash pad on the other side. Love that there's a little lunch place right there too! Only complaint is how close it is to the street with no barrier!

With the shared water splash zone, those Hot humid summer days will be better tolerated for anyone visiting this area. Tennis Court, Picnic Area and Child Playground Area makes this Park one of my Go-Too's. Next to MLK Center, 40th Illinois. N-Joy …

The kids enjoyed it (ages 1&5). They have plenty of things for all ages to do and the play area is good for those with seasonal allergies as it has fake grass. There is an open field beside the play area for racing, tag, or any open activities.

Great little park with multiple play sets. Ice cream shop is neat. Sometimes there are people hanging around that dont look like they belong on a playground, so I wouldnt leave kids unattended, but have never had or seen anything bad happen.

One of the best little parks in the city. Like playing in a Dr Seuss landscape. Friendly, diverse welcoming crowd. Kids and adults of all ages. Clean bathrooms. Splashpad in the summer. Basketball. Lots of places for parents to sit and chat

This is my childrens favorite park. With a park on either side, a splash pad, basketball court, tennis court and black top for skating. On any given day you might be able to find a bird scooter to ride. IDK if it gets any better than this.

Took my grandchildren to this park and it was very crowded, but still fun for grandchildren, then all of a sudden children were running away from something, looked up and a lady was being verbally attacked by a group of children, then a

This park has improved since I was a kid it's different now they have added so many things to this park which is great .we celebrated my granddaughter 4th BD there inside the ice cream shop .I just hope it stays and doesnt get ruin .

It's not that great. It's small, so toddlers could have fun. The splash pas wasn't on, not sure if it's only for certain days. There is litter everywhere and the musical area is broken (the sticks to make noises have been torn off).

Was a fantastic time, for once black people came together without tragedy at the end. Myself and my Family really enjoyed the appearance and atmosphere that was Positive...See you next event or next year. …

They really did an amazing job on this park. It's both my 11- and 4- year-old's favorite. (Bonus: there are always some very sweet teen boys who let my 11 year old play basketball with them, and are very kind and encouraging).

Hands down best park in Indy! Seemingly brand new with a wide variety of park equipment and cool musical instruments for the kiddos. The water park features on the opposite side are a great way to cool down on a hot day.

Nice park and enticing splash pad, but really enjoy the addition of Tea's Me. Have been a fan of Tea's Me for 15 years. Plus the shades outdoor seating makes it great for catching up with friends and business meetings.

Great park. They have a splash pad for the kids to enjoy. The huge swing benches they have are pretty cool. Basketball courts on both sides of the park and a nice atmosphere the times I've been there. Park is clean.

Plenty to do for anyone...tons of playground area (old and new) for the kids, basketball and tennis courts, restrooms, water fountains, and a good amount benches for parents to sit. A ton of fun...even for grownups.

I Grew up playing in this park! The B.T. neighborhood is certainly changing, but hopefully the park will continue to (well) serve the Tarkington area families that have counted on this resource for generations.

Took grandkids to their football and cheerleading practice, and then after to the park and water park to play.They didn't want to leave.This area is very clean and seems so safe.We plan to visit more often.

It could be safer if this park has fences around it. So kids won't run to the road. I will change my review when the fences will get installed. Otherwise it is a good place for kids to play and enjoy.

This is our favorite park. Great place to relax, lots of seating, so many activities for the kids, fountain park is awesome and there are clean bathrooms and and ice cream place. We love to come here.

Very nice since they redid the park, the water park is a favorite of ours. It does stay busy and can be littered after the weekend, but the staff clean it up in reasonable time. We enjoy this park.

Two play grounds, the newer one is very modern and nice. The second is kinda unkempt so I don't take my kids to that one. They love the splash pad in the summer months and the basketball courts.

Great experience! Clean with great open climbing areas. If you have a climber they will LOVE IT very spacious and injury proof with that compression type turf. My little one had a great time.

Well taken care of, very clean and modern. The splash pad seems to be the highlight but the two other play areas are spectacular. My 4 year old daughter enjoyed all aspects of this park.

AYF football and cheer are here every Tues. Thurs. and they getting good at they craft. Cheerleaders going in on new cheers and players going hard on a new play. So awesome #youthmatters

Nice park, well taken care of. Fun for most ages. Splash area is nice for younger kids and park is separated into different sections for different groups. Overall a great experience.

It's a great looking park. And very, very popular. But right now it's way too popular to be a good choice as a lot of non-masked people, kids and adults both, are going there a lot.

It's a nice new park for kids to play. Wish there was a dog park/area. Restrooms were locked and water fountains were off today (Jan 3), not sure if that's a seasonal thing or what.

My kids love this park. The only negative is that the slides are metal and can burn kids in the hot sun. I have always wanted to bring an egg to see if it would cook on the slides.

Stellar park with classic playground equipment, modern playground equipment, huge splash pad, and built around a fantastic cafe. This is a regular play spot for us and the kids.

Great park. It has 2 separate playgrounds and lots of things to do. They have a splash pad but the water is never working. That is the only negative thing I have abt that park.

Super fun for my 10 to 4 year olds. There are two playgrounds. One older one with lots of slides and a newer one covered in AstroTurf and with some very creative elements.

Cute place. Part splash pad, part park. It has a neat design and public parking and restrooms. Has astro-turf and spongy flooring. It's not huge, but worth checking out.

Great place for kids to both play in the water park or on the other side of the building, which sells hand scooped ice cream, there is a ultra modern playground!!!

Great little park in the middle of the city. Love the astro turf and hills. Some unique equipment. Perfect for my 10, 8, and 7 year old to play for about an hour.

It's a really nice park with two playgrounds one on each side of the splash park & two sets of basketball courts, a tennis court & a very large field to run in.

Really cool park with unique installments. There are musical instruments, swings, rock climbing walls, ropes, tunnels. Also basketball, tennis, and sprinklers.

An ideal park for the family! Two separate "parks" that are entirely different, a wet pad that kids love in good weather...and also an ice cream shop on site!

Seriously, an excellent park! Very unique and kid friendly. It has everything from a splash pad to basketball courts. We will definitely be here alot …

Tarkington is ALWAYS awesome. I've never been in to the small food space but the outside areas are great on all fronts. My family and I LOVE this place!!!

Very modern and updated park. They even have adult swings...very cool...kids loved the splash pad and plenty of seating in the park around splash pad.

Love the new play areas. Great for the community too. Lots of things for kids and adults to do. Safe play area. Fun water area for the kids.

My kids enjoy playing here in the summer. They enjoy the splash pad and I enjoy watching them in the seating area. The park is nice as well.

Love this park for my grandsons
Playground
Great play ground. Love the splash park
Restrooms
We're open. Needed attention.

Fantastic park for kids of all ages! However, could definitely use more seating in the shade and the bathrooms cleaned more regularly.

Love the remodel! Kids can play, while adults swing on the oversized porch type bench swings. Modern with plenty to do for the kids.

Beautifully remodeled. Great place for children of all ages to have a nice time. Water fun as well as swings, and fun adventures.

Beautiful park for children, clean a d new swings for toddlers and children!!!I take my four grandchildren here and they Love it

The park itself was good but its 5 feet from a busy street and was dirty, perhaps from the weekend. The bathrooms were nasty...

This park use to be a lot nicer. It’s really ran down. There’s graffiti on everything. Also a Sheriff walks around.

It's good for kids to play with other kids and u know make friends
Dog-friendliness
U can bring dog

Great new playground! All ages and most abilities! Fantastic splash pad for summer time, tons of seating.

Who knew that people let folks life get ruining here especially when don’t want to say anything to you

Great park! Splash pad was perfect for hot summer days. Loved the rock climbing wall & astro turf.

Excellent playground! Sooo big with lots of fun activities. The splash pad was also really nice.

We love our neighborhood park. My baby girl lives for the splash pad, while I play Pokemon Go.

Visit this park often since it's right next to my son's school and my kids love to play here

Cool place for kids. There is another park on the other side that is safer for toddlers.

Celebrated my daughter's 8th bday. It was great! We had the booth right by 40th Street.

Beautiful park with 2 play areas, courts, and a splash pad. My kid didn’t want to leave

Nice playground but it’s smells horrible by the rock climbing wall. Smells like feces.

It's a fun and awesome park my kids love it but make sure you watch them at all times

So fun for my girls, basketball court to shoot around on was close to the park park.

This park is great!! kids love it. Also has water for kids to play in. Very unique.

Great place to take the kids for free.... Two parks one.. Also a waterpark too

Playing with my granddaughter/ while her brother had football practice …

What a fun lively spot for youth and families right in the heart of the city.

We really love the new splash park and basketball courts they have built

Great park...been hooping here for a long time....and bringing the kids

Beautiful park … always keep a good few eyes on your children.. Enjoy

The park is very clean and neat with lots of seating throughout.

An incredible example of an integrated community at its best!

Nice park and very clean great place for kids to have fun

Just wish the bathrooms were cleaner and more operable

Great park to bring kids to play and meet new people.

We had a fabulous time at the Toy Factory concert.

Big water park is a nice place for families.

Just a clean and wonderful park for the kids

Love the entire redone area for this park

Really nice city park vibes here …

I had a great time at the park

My grandson's favorite park!