An accessible guide to parks in Hamilton County, Indiana

There is a plethora of information about the general information for each of these parks online. To learn more, visit a complete list of parks.

Located in Fishers, IN Flat Fork Creek was the most peaceful park I visited on this round of parks. Although there were many people at the park, it never felt crowded.

Playground

There is no playground equipment at this location. There are treehouses and one of them is accessible. I was also able to visit one of the overlooks along the trail in my wheelchair.

Trails

There are 5 miles of trails around this park, making it ideal for those with accessibility needs to comfortably explore this beautiful park in a wheelchair. Although it is not all wheelchair friendly, a lot of it was. It was so peaceful wheeling along the trail and by the ponds, the sounds of nature all around.

There is a massive sledding hill at this park location. There is a paved walkway that zig zags up this large hill, also used for exercising. Although it would be difficult to get to the top in my manual wheelchair, if someone were up to pushing me, it would be a possibility since the path is paved.

Restrooms

There is a building near the parking lot where restrooms are located. There are accessible stalls in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. Note: There are not accessible buttons on the restroom doors.

Picnic Tables

Next to the restrooms there is a covered area with several picnic table. Two of the picnic tables were accessible, with room at the end for a wheelchair to slide in. This was a nice feature to see.

Located in Noblesville, IN, Forest Park is a 150-acre park that was established in 1925. I grew up in Noblesville going to Forest Park for many different activities. It has always been a wonderful place to visit.

Parking

There are several accessible parking spots throughout the park, along the road and in various parking lots throughout the park.

Playground(s)

There are 3 playgrounds in the park. From my observation, I saw a couple of accessible swings, but most of the other playground equipment would be dependent on the level of physical ability. Most of the playground equipment appeared to be traditional playground equipment with climbing needed.

Additional Activities

Forest Park has many activities such as a golf course, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a skate park, and an aquatic center to name a few. There is a putt-putt course as well, but it is not wheelchair friendly.

Trails

Forest Park is wonderful because there is so much paved trail to wheel/walk around throughout the entire park. Much of the trail is shaded with big, beautiful trees. I found it to be truly relaxing wheeling along the trails and taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of nature.

Restrooms

There are a few restroom locations throughout this spacious park. Each of the restrooms includes access to an accessible stall. Note: there are not accessible buttons on any of the restroom doors.

Located in Westfield, IN, Freedom Trail Park is tucked back in a quiet neighborhood setting.

Parking

There were an ample number of accessible spaces onsite, with access to a ramp at the end of the sidewalk.

Playground

From my observation, the playground at Freedom Trail Park was accessible. There is a wide ramp up to the playground equipment. Once up the ramp, the options to use the slides from the platform are limited. There is a small slide that does not have any added steps up to it for a child that has mobility needs, but not in a wheelchair. However, the ramp does allow for a child in a wheelchair to be up on the platform of the playground structure with their peers, which is an amazing thing.

This playground is an all-inclusive playground. There is a beautiful large wind chime at the entrance of the playground. There is also an area that has accessible swings. The area surrounding the swings and other playground equipment is turf.

This all-inclusive park and sensory garden are the first of their kind in Indiana.

Trails

The trails surrounding the park are crushed limestone, so that was not an option for me in my wheelchair. There is a nice, paved circle around the actual playground. Keep in mind, this is a small park.

Restrooms

As of now, there is only one portable restroom for the park goers to use. It was large enough for my wheelchair to fit in, and I was able to wheel on the sidewalk to the door of the restroom.

Note: This park is still a work in progress with plans for a permanent restroom, shelter, and interpretive signage.

Located in Carmel, IN, River Heritage Park is unassuming from the road. Pulling into the parking lot, I had no idea all this park had to offer.

Parking

The parking area is not paved, with the exception of two paved accessible parking spots. The lot is currently still gravel, which can be difficult to maneuver in a wheelchair if you are not able to get one of the two accessible spots.

Playground(s)

The front playground near the parking lot, was by far the most impressive park I visited for accessible playground equipment, and options for people with various disabilities.

I especially appreciated the accessible swing, and merry-go-round. Both pieces of equipment allowed for me to wheel my wheelchair on them and enjoy the fun! As someone who grew up with a disability when there were no options like this, it makes me happy that children with disabilities can enjoy the fun of of the park, just like their peers.

In the back part of the park, along the trail there are several more pieces of playground equipment. Depending on level of ability, some of these pieces may be accessible.

Trails

There is a wheelchair accessible trail that loops through the forest. It is beautiful and a peaceful place to wheel through. The trail is a hard, rubberized material that is wheelchair friendly.

Along the back of the park there are two overlooks where you can see the White River. These overlooks are wheelchair accessible.

Restrooms

There are restrooms found near the parking lot. They are two individual restrooms, each large enough for a wheelchair, and have grab bars by the toilet. Note: There are no accessible buttons on the outside of the restroom doors.