The Franciscan trail
The Franciscan Trail is a greenway system that runs through the city with five trailheads and 4 bridges. The trail is pet friendly and handicap accessible. An expansion to the trail is planned to begin in 2024.
SARAH t. BOlton PArk
Sarah T. Bolton Park, originally known as “Beech Bank”, was purchased in 1930 from the Bolton Estate and was named for the first lady of Hoosier poetry, Sarah Tittle (Barrett) Bolton. The park reflects the life and beauty that Mrs. Bolton often spoke of in her poetry.
Located at 1300 Churchman Avenue, Sarah T. Bolton is a nearly 32-acre park facility that can be accessed from the intersection of 13th and Churchman Avenues, from 17th Avenue, and from Main Street at 15th Avenue. In 2010 the vehicular bridge was replaced with a two lane bridge and allows patrons to once again drive through and access all areas of the park.
Park features include picnic areas, rolling topography, a creek that winds through the property, athletic courts and fields, a one-acre Dog Park, Natural Area, and play equipment with nearby shelters and restroom facilities. Sarah T. Bolton is the most used and could best be described as Beech Grove's most traditional park.
Sarah T. Bolton Park is recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Paw patch dog park
The Paw Patch Dog Park – located in beautiful Sarah T. Bolton Park – is a one-acre fenced area where dogs are allowed to run off-leash, under their owner’s supervision.
The Paw Patch Dog Park is open during regular park hours, which are dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. The City of Beech Grove reserves the right to close the park without notice as needed for emergencies, maintenance, and repairs. R
Registration and renewal is completed at City Hall, 806 Main Street. Please call (317) 788-4977 #ext. 5100 with any questions. Registration is for the calendar year, January 1 through December 31.
- Registration fee is $35 per dog and $10 for an entry key. (We accept Cash or Check only)
- Proof of current vaccinations must be provided at registration and renewal.
Amenties:
- Beautiful, natural grass area with plenty of shade.
- Secure, electronic gate system with entry key access.
- One acre of grass to run on and play
- Doggie waste stations for owners to pick up after their dogs.
- Park benches provided for dog owner’s comfort.
Registration Rules:
- All dogs will be issued a membership tag and owners will receive a valid entry key for access.
- All dogs must have proof of current vaccinations at time of registration and renewal.
- No more than three dogs per handler.
- Dogs under four months of age are not permitted.
- Handlers should ALWAYS clean up after their dogs
- No food or treats (human or dog) allowed in the dog park.
- Dog owners are responsible for their dog(s).
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the dog park.
HARTMAN PARK
Hartman Park is located at 700 South 9th Avenue, just north and west of Don Challis Park. Covering 11 acres, this is the smallest city park property. Park features include five baseball diamonds, a restroom building and concessions area, all of which are used for summer baseball sponsored by Beech Grove Little League.
Hartman Park is named for Fr. Robert Hartman, who served as Holy Name's pastor from 1951 to 1977. Fr. Hartman was instrumental in deeding this property to the City of Beech Grove, specifically for use as the home of Beech Grove Little League Baseball.
DON CHALLIS PARK
Don Challis Park is located at 1100 South 9th Avenue, adjacent to South Grove Intermediate School. It is a 14 acre park facility, accessible from 9th Avenue. Park features include a picnic shelter, play equipment, volleyball court, and open lawn area with mature trees.
To learn more about Don Challis and his many contributions to our community and our City Parks system, please read below.
Hornet PARK
Hornet Park, 5245 Hornet Avenue, is a 14.492-acre park featuring a picnic area and open lawn. It is adjacent to Beech Grove High School. Primarily, this park is the site of the Hornet Park Community Center where the Parks Office is located. The center also houses meeting and banquet rooms and work-out rooms with fitness equipment. The Community Center building connects with Hornet Park Elementary School.
The Beech Grove High School tennis courts are available for public use outside of scheduled high school activities.
Several acres of woods are on the site. A walking path and bridge have been constructed through part of the wooded area which remains mostly undeveloped for recreation. The Parks Board and Parks Department are committed to preserving this wooded area in its natural state.