The Community Center engages both the Street and the White River with prominent views, welcoming orientation, an overlook plaza and acts as a catalyst for the future river promenade, as proposed in the park master plan.

The major component of the site design is the placement of the new Family Center. It is strategically set on a knoll and immediately becomes an iconic element as you enter the park — connecting the urban edge to the White River proper. The site design is an orchestrated solution that uniquely addresses the significant existing grades, provides access to the existing outdoor pool, incorporates the boat launch, and protects the existing dog park.

Riverbank restoration, rain gardens, and ornamental plantings add a lush layer of vegetation to the areas surrounding the building. Hillside and low slope lawns to north of the building provide natural, outdoor multi-purpose spaces and act as a programmable, informal amphitheater. The lawn areas are not only highly functional, but they accommodate future expansion opportunities as well.

The 40,000-sf center provides combined space for Indy Parks and Community Health Network. Flexibility, durability, and cost- effective solutions were some of the key design objectives. The Indy Parks 25,000 sf two-level facility is programmed with a full-court gymnasium, indoor running and walking track, multi-purpose rooms, flexible lobby space, administrative park offices, program rooms for group fitness and other activities, restrooms, showers, lockers and changing areas. A “kidzone” featuring a colorful indoor play structure allows younger children to explore, play and learn.

The main entry welcomes visitors into a casual space with high ceilings and large windows with views of the White River. Glass walls allow users to observe the surrounding nature while indoors. The wood-look wall with a wave pattern becomes the backdrop of the information desk and this wave design is carried out in wayfinding and custom mural graphics. Combinations of blues and greens echo both the surrounding nature and water and are part of Indy Park’s brand colors. Vibrant touches of orange in furniture and signage complement both Indy Parks’ and CHN’s brands.

The 15,000 sf Community Health Network Outpatient Clinic is programmed with exam and consult rooms and physical therapy treatment spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the rehab clinic area create a bright, welcoming environment for patients. Soft neutral colors are used throughout the clinic with a focus on “hospitality design” in line with CHN standards. Several elements are transitioned from the Indy Parks side including exposed ceilings in the check-in/check-out areas and curved ceiling and lighting features. As Broad Ripple Village is well-known for its artisan galleries and shops, framed iconic images of Broad Ripple are featured on the walls throughout.

We see the facility as sustainable in the way it addresses the environment from a solar control and water quality perspective along with an abundance of natural light and views both into and out of — along with the river site’s walk out access and overlook.

Design: arcDESIGN
Construction Manager: Meyer Najem
Photography: Daniel Showalter