Land Acquisition
The History of the Acton Campground.
Parking Lot Addition 2009
IPF's 2004 Land Acquisition Project
In June 2004, the owner of approximately 23 acres of land in the southeast corner of Franklin Township, Marion County, agreed to sell the property to the Indianapolis Parks Foundation if the organization could raise sufficient funds by Dec. 31, 2004. If successful, the 22.609 acres that remain of the original 40 acres of the Acton Campground would eventually become parkland owned by the City of IndianapolisÕ Indy Parks and Recreation.
On Sept. 7, 2004, AES, the parent company of local utility Indianapolis Power & Light Company, announced that it was making a $1.1 million gift to Indianapolis Parks Foundation for the purchase of the Acton Campground Property and another property in Warren Township.
The property was purchased by Indianapolis Parks Foundation and deeded to Indy Parks and Recreation, making it Franklin Township's third largest park (Southeastway and Franklin Township Community Parks being the largest).
Land Acquisition Part of IPF History
IPF was successful in a similar land acquisition effort in 2002. Decatur Township residents and community leaders led IPF's fundraising effort to secure more than $300,000 in private donations in 90 days for the Southwestway Park Expansion Project. Combined with city, federal and grant funds, IPF was able to secure $1 million to purchase 101 acres for the park, making it the second largest park in Marion County.
Cathy Burton, president of the Franklin Township Civic League, Acton Community Council and Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations (McANA), led the local organizing committee for the Acton Campground Property project. Approximately 15 community leaders comprised the committee, which has provided direction and grass-roots fundraising support.
Why this Land?
While there are several parcels of land currently for sale in Franklin Township, Burton believes this piece is particularly attractive for future parkland. "The Acton Campground property is the most significant historical property in Franklin Township," says Burton. "Working to save a historical site, maintain open and green space and preserve a permanent place of natural beauty are all important reasons" the Indianapolis Parks Foundation, local organizing committee and Indy Parks were focused on this site.
Indy Parks and Recreation believes the nearly 23 acres of partially wooded, partially open land that also includes a small creek provides an opportunity for a variety of recreation options.
About the Acton Campground Property
The Acton Campground, sometimes referred to as Acton Park in its later years, drew thousands of individuals to Franklin Township when it was used from 1859 to 1905. Fourteen Methodists began the efforts to develop the campground into a summer retreat, which once included a lake, hotel, tabernacle, grocery and cottages. The campground suffered significant fire damages twice in its history. On Nov. 12, 1905 a fast-moving fire engulfed all 110 cottages and the tabernacle, destruction that signified the end of the property's use as a campground. The Acton Campground was sold and passed eventually to Virginia Askren's mother, from whom Askren inherited the property.
For a detailed history of the property, please click here
Parkland in Franklin Township
The addition of this property to Franklin Township's parkland inventory would be a significant success. Franklin Township ranks second only to Perry Township as the most underserved area of Marion County in terms of park acreage per capita. Franklin Township currently has 318 acres of parkland, only 2.5 percent of the total parkland in Marion County. Perry Township has 2.3 percent of the county's total parkland with 296 acres, according to the 2004 Indianapolis-Marion County Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, produced by Indy Parks and Recreation.
Fact Sheet: Acton Campground Property