EXPLORE

University Park

Located just south of the Indiana War Memorial between Vermont Street and New York Street, University Park is the oldest part of the plaza.

HoursHours:
Open from dawn to dusk

AdmissionAdmission:
Free

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Today, it is a popular downtown green space that features several monuments to honor important state and national figures, including:

University Park

AT THE CENTER OF THE PARK IS THE DEPEW FOUNTAIN, a five-level fountain built in 1919 to honor Dr. Richard Johnson Depew, a former physician, and his wife. Additionally, Syrinx the wood nymph and Pan the satyr call the park home.

Fast Facts

Fast facts

The land was originally designated for a state university that was never built.

Fast facts

From 1833 through 1860, the land was used to house a seminary, several churches and the city’s first high school—all in the same building.

Fast facts

In 1860, the land was used by Union troops for drilling exercises.

Fast facts

After the war, Indianapolis citizens established a fund to develop the land into the park that stands today.

Fast facts

The original design of the Depew Fountain was created by Karl Bitter, who was killed in a traffic accident in 1915 before the work could be completed. Following Bitter’s overall design, Alexander Stirling Calder created the bronze figures and the fountain. Henry Bacon, a well-known landscape architect, designed the fountain’s setting.

Fast facts

The Schuyler Colfax statue was the first to be placed in the park.

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