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October 16, 2024

From Trailer Park to Urban Oasis: The Remarkable Transformation of Shelton Heights GreenSpace

Home  /  News  /  From Trailer Park to Urban Oasis: The Remarkable Transformation of Shelton Heights GreenSpace

By: Jeremy Kranowitz

If you’ve ever seen a before-and-after photo that made you do a double take, get ready to be amazed by the transformation story of Shelton Heights GreenSpace! This once-forgotten piece of land, previously a trailer park riddled with crime and neglect, has now blossomed into a vibrant community park, thanks to the dedication of neighbors, volunteers, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB). It’s a story of resilience, partnership, and a shared vision for a greener, safer neighborhood.

Back in 2016, Shelton Heights was struggling. Residents, led by Debbie Parish, rallied together to take action. Debbie, a long-time resident who grew up across the street from the trailer park, spearheaded the effort to address crime in the area. “It just went to squatters, prostitutes, drugs, you name it,” Parish recalls. What started with a simple crime watch quickly grew into something much bigger—a vision for a community park that would breathe new life into the neighborhood.

By 2018, with funding and volunteers from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful’s AES Indiana Project GreenSpace, Shelton Heights began its transformation. Project GreenSpace is an initiative that turns vacant lots into community spaces, whether they’re parks or orchards. The goal? To create places that reflect the spirit and pride of local neighborhoods, and Shelton Heights was the perfect candidate.

Residents and community leaders worked tirelessly to develop the park’s design, collaborating with landscape architects to make sure the space captured the heart of the neighborhood. The design included walking trails, natural playgrounds, benches, and even an art installation. But the work didn’t stop there.

Maintaining a vibrant green space requires ongoing care. Thanks to KIB’s GreenSpace Sustainability Program, Shelton Heights continues to receive technical and financial support, ensuring that this park remains beautiful for years to come. Small, but steady funding streams allow for continuous upkeep, while volunteers and neighbors provide boots-on-the-ground help to keep the park thriving.

But perhaps the most exciting part? Shelton Heights isn’t just about the present—it’s about the future. The park serves as a living classroom, where KIB is helping to educate and train the next generation of environmental leaders. By teaching urban ecology and sustainable practices, Shelton Heights GreenSpace will continue to inspire future stewards of the environment.

Shelton Heights is proof that even the most blighted spaces can be reborn with a little hope, a lot of hard work, and strong community partnerships. What was once an eyesore has become a source of pride and joy for the neighborhood.

Today, when you stroll through Shelton Heights GreenSpace, it’s hard to imagine its troubled past. Walking along the newly paved trails, Debbie Parish reflects on how far her community has come. “It was so horrible, and we take it to the ground and it just rises,” she says, marveling at the peaceful, welcoming park that now serves as a hub for residents.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of KIB’s volunteers and donors. What was once a vacant lot is now full of life and opportunity, and your generosity made it all possible. Together, we’ve created a lasting green space for all to enjoy. Thank you for making a lasting impact!

Categories: AES Indiana Project Greenspace, Clean Neighborhoods, Engaged Citizens, News & Features, Partners, Volunteers