History
Zionsville Lions Park
Lions Park; 1940 to today.
The Zionsville Lions Club, established on May 16, 1930, with 24 founding members, laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of the community. In 1940, the club founded Zionsville Lions Park, initially called "Zionsville Memorial Park," on nearly 8 acres of land, featuring a playground and a baseball diamond. This park has woven itself into the fabric of Zionsville's history, providing a gathering place for the community through various epochs, including World War II when it hosted numerous "Victory Gardens."
The park's historical significance deepened when the Zionsville Little League played its inaugural game there in 1952, marking the beginning of a tradition that has lasted over seven decades, with the league celebrating its 71st anniversary in 2024. Lions Park has been the venue for many of Zionsville's key celebrations, including the 1952 Zionsville Centennial Celebration, which has evolved into the much-anticipated annual Fall Festival.
Over the years, Lions Park has expanded in stages from its original size to 23 acres by 2023. A recent acquisition of an additional five acres promises to extend its reach to over 28 acres, further enhancing its role in the community. Managed by a robust Zionsville Lions Club membership of over 180 active members, the park thrives on volunteerism, sponsorships, and donations, standing out as one of the few “Lions Parks” nationwide still directly overseen by its founding Lions Club chapter. This enduring stewardship underscores the park's unique place in both the history and heart of Zionsville.
Zionsville Lions Club members at the groundbreaking for the new clubhouse building in Lions Park (1975).
Lions Park History in Photos
1930 - Zionsville Lions Club charter created on May 16, 1930 with 24 members.
1940 - Zionsville Memorial Park (eventually renamed Zionsville Lions Park) is founded.
1940 - One of the first major events at the park for raising funds for the Lions on the fields was donkey softball; a game for the amusement of others where players ride a donkey around the bases after hitting the ball.
1952 – Zionsville Centennial Celebration – the first “fall festival” is held in Lions Park.
1952 - Zionsville Little League baseball plays first game in Lions Park.
1957 – Devastating flood inundates the park; for neither the first or last time (Lions Park is in the background).
1961 – The main playground as seen in 1961.
1975 – Construction of the Zionsville Lions Clubhouse begins.
1977 - Ben Boleman (developer of Raintree) gifts 15 acres of land to expand Lions Park.
1990 – First “Earth Day” celebration hosted in Lions Park.
1992 – Main parking lot added on south side of park.
1993 - Elm Street entrance stairs and ramp constructed.
1995 – Main playground renovated.
1996 – Lions Park Gazebo constructed.
1997 – Rotary Shelter and sand volleyball court are added.
2013 – Worst flood in a century inundates most of the park (restroom building shown)
2020 – Lions Club clubhouse building renovated.
2021 – Pickleball court added and tennis courts re-surfaced.
2022 – Tot-lot playground completely rebuilt.
2023 - Main playground gets new play structure.
2023 - 5.1 acres of new park land were purchased from the Henkaline family on the north side of Lions Park which will connect to Elm Street Green.
