INDIANAPOLIS — The folks behind SPARK on the Circle spent all day on Thursday setting up for the summer.
The 2024 season kicks off on Saturday, June 1st.
Downtown Indy, Inc., Big Car Collaborative and the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development are partnering on the project.
This year, it's being installed on the northwest side of Monument Circle, only allowing pedestrians in that area.
“Last year, we saw more than 78,000 people utilizing SPARK,” said Taylor Schaffer, President and CEO of Downtown Indy, Inc. “We had more than 600 people every single day, many of which, over the course, came back multiple times.”
In 2023, more than 250 programs brought people into the installation.
“We bring in a lot of musicians, visual artists who interact with the public down here at the park,” said Co-founder and Executive Director of Big Car Collaborative, Jim Walker.
The space includes Astroturf, seating, and trees people can enjoy.
Organizers say they hope to attract people visiting Indianapolis for the very first time.
“Just to be able to walk a couple of blocks, east from the convention center- grab a bite to eat, listen to some music, relax, play some games, that goes into the overall visitor experience,” said Monique Wise, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium.
They also plan to accommodate residents and those just needing a break in the middle of the workday.
“I actually work remote quite often because I run a business. So this was something last year that I discovered that I could come out here and actually sit down and open up my laptop and actually get some work done,” said one resident, Logan Mullinix.
With such a positive response from the public, the space will be open longer this season, until November.
“This year, we want to have some additional hours starting in the fall, where we're open after dark and that's something we would like to see more of in the future,” added Walker.
In the middle of it all, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is still being renovated and is expected to be under construction for at least another year or two.
For more information on SPARK on the Circle, click here.