CLERMONT — How would you spend $1 million to make your neighborhood park better? Indy Parks is asking people in Clermont this question as they prepare to start work on Robey Park.

Indy Parks invited Clermont residents to a public meeting about the park's future Monday evening.
Robey Park is in need of a makeover. Parts of the playground are rusted and covered in graffiti, and the park's basketball court has grass growing from cracks in the asphalt.

The park now has money for repair thanks to Councilor Crista Carlino, who selected Robey Park to received $1 million in a budget initiative.
Indy Parks will develop a concrete plan for Robey Park's renovation once they hear what neighbors want it to be.
"We need folks who come together and say, 'Hey, this is what we want to prioritize,'" said Alex Cortwright of Indy Parks. "We'll look to do more work at the park over time, but this $1 million will only go so far."

The money could help repair the playground or help improve Robey Park's natural trail system.
Robert Shellenbarger lives down the street from Robey Park, but admits he is not interested in visiting the park in its current form.
"Me and my wife used to take our grandkids down there," Shellenbarger said. "I haven't been down there for a while. Nobody really uses it."

Shellenbarger does have one idea on how to fix up the park.
"We build houses for people here, we had two houses last year built like Jimmy Carter used to do," Shellenbarger said. "Maybe we can get the same people to spruce the park up. If the mayor needs more ideas, have him give me a call, I'll talk to him."

Indy Parks' first public meeting about the Robey Park plan is happening at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at Robey Elementary School.
-
Utility costs continue to strain Hoosiers as lawmakers advance assistance bill
A bill moving through the Indiana Statehouse aims to help low-income households struggling to pay their utility bills.
DPW works to clear streets under new policy after historic snowstorm
Nearly a week after a historic snowstorm blanketed Indianapolis, some residential streets remain unplowed, leaving drivers stranded and residents frustrated with the city's snow removal efforts.
Local pediatricians push back on CDC's reduced childhood vaccine schedule
Local pediatricians are pushing back on new guidance from the CDC that cuts the childhood vaccine schedule from 18 to 11 diseases, saying it's a decision not grounded in science.
IMPD swears in 33rd recruiting class, last under Chief Chris Bailey
Twenty-three new police officers were sworn in to protect and serve the Indianapolis area during a graduation ceremony Thursday, the final recruiting class to join the force under Chief Chris Bailey.