As Fishers emerged from the COVID era, city leaders sought ways to rebuild community connections and provide new spaces for residents to gather. City Councilor Todd Zimmerman was tapped to lead a committee exploring how to make that vision a reality.

A community survey drew more than 3,000 responses — an unusually strong turnout — offering a clear picture of what residents wanted. While leaders expected calls for recreation and gathering spaces, they were surprised by the strong interest in an arts facility. As a result, the new Fishers City Hall complex now includes an arts center. Residents also expressed strong support for an indoor playground, walking track, aquatic facilities, and indoor courts for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and more.

Mayor Scott Fadness and the City Council Finance Committee, chaired by Councilor John Weingardt, ultimately identified a funding plan that allowed the city to move forward without increasing local property tax rates. On Saturday morning, Fadness, Zimmerman and Weingardt were all smiles as they cut the ribbon on the new Fishers Community Center.

Located at 11400 Johnson Farm Way, near 121st Street and Hoosier Road, the 105,000-square-foot facility includes a 9,800-square-foot aquatics center featuring Central Indiana’s first NinjaCross system, an 11,000-square-foot fitness center, an indoor walking track, and the Fishers Community Center Indoor Playground. A dog park is also expected to open in spring 2026.

Several speakers took part in Saturday’s ceremony, but it was a group of Hoosier Road Elementary third-graders who stole the show. The students attended the groundbreaking as first graders and shared their excitement about the center in charming, third-grade fashion.

The playground and walking track are free for anyone who signs up for a Community Pass. Access to the aquatics center, fitness areas, and other amenities requires a membership. For more information, use this link.