Today, Indy Parks announced its more than 200 summer job openings for youth ages 16 and older. Mayor Joe Hogsett, Councillor Jessica McCormick, and park staff highlighted the value in connecting youngsters to opportunities to develop leadership and responsibility skills, and to help maintain safe, enjoyable spaces for park visitors throughout the summer.

"When you work for our parks department, you are given a chance to make a meaningful and positive difference in our community while earning a paycheck," said Mayor Hogsett, sharing his own experience as a lifeguard. "We hope the best, brightest, and most hardworking residents of our city choose to apply. Over the challenges of the last year, few public amenities have been as beloved as our parks."

From lifeguards, day camp counselors, cashiers, stage technicians, and food program coordinators, these positions start at $10-$15 per hour and will be conveniently located at parks offering day camps, pools, concerts and movies, free meals, and summer programs.

Thatcher Park Pool, 4649 W. Vermont, is available on Fridays from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. for lifeguard applicants to practice their swimming skills. Although the practice sessions are not training or instructional, parks staff will guide people through lifeguard requirements and provide tips.

"Every year, lifeguard applications decrease, making the need to find young people for these positions even greater," said District 15 Councillor McCormick. "I know from my own experience years ago as a lifeguard for Evansville Parks that the job application process can be time-consuming and confusing - especially if it's a first job. But I also know firsthand that the lasting positive impact of working in the parks system is well worth the effort of applying. Plus, Indy Parks has dedicated staff ready to help people navigate this process, from finding the right positions and filling out the online applications to hopefully securing employment for summer months."

Indy Parks also shared its summer pool locations. Due to severity of the pandemic, the parks department opened five of its 18 pools in 2020.

2021 Summer Pool Locations

"Knowing how much swimming and access to pools means to our staff and park visitors, our team took time to evaluate health and safety measures, activities occurring at selected pool locations, and challenges with fully staffing pools alongside other summer job needs," said Linda Broadfoot, Indy Parks director, noting that pool locations are finalized in March to get ready for the summer. "We are forging ahead to hire hardworking seasonal staff while delivering quality services at our pools, in day camps, and in park spaces around the city."

Swim lessons, lap swim, and aquatic programs will be available at open pools. Additionally, Indy Parks is bringing back its popular swim team program and competitions at designated park locations.

During the summer, Perry Park and Sahm Park pools will undergo makeovers to enhance water play and spray features, pool decks, and other aquatics amenities. For more information on Indy Parks jobs and programs, visit parks.indy.gov, contact the Customer Service Center at (317) 327-PARK, or email IndyParksCS@indy.gov.