Geist Waterfront Park | Fishers Parks & Recreation, IN

Current Update

Now Hiring: LIFEGUARDS! Join our team of dynamic City of Fishers Parks staff this summer by working as a Lifeguard at the Geist Waterfront Park!

The purpose of this position is to provide an exciting, fun, and safe environment to all residents visiting the park. Lifeguards are responsible for everyday operational tasks at the Geist Waterfront Park. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing a safe environment to residents and visitors by responding to emergencies, maintaining a clean park, and staying up to date on trainings and certifications.

About the Project

The City of Fishers has invested in a 70-acre waterfront property, acquired in 2018, at Geist Reservoir to develop a waterfront park, adding to Fishers Parks list of robust, vibrant, and diverse recreational facilities city-wide. The park is being developed at the last-remaining undeveloped parcel of the 1,900-acre reservoir, located at 10811 Olio Road, at approximately 111th Street and the east side of Olio Road.

Features of Geist Waterfront Park will include a beach, walking trails, open green space, and a non-motorized boat launch. The City of Fishers purchased the land in 2018 to ensure public access to Geist Reservoir. Once developed, the park will provide the only public access to the reservoir. Geist Waterfront Park will be built in phases, with an anticipated full completion date of 2040.

The first phase features construction of the beach and beach and dock access, along with a playground and gathering amenities, to be completed in 2022. The project budget for Phase 1 is approximately $15 million.

A Distinct Assest

“The Geist area is one of Fishers’ most distinct assets and this park sets forth a momentum for the long term sustainability of Geist Reservoir, its residents, and our community at large,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “In conversations with multiple residents and stakeholders, I’ve heard time and time again the argument that the long term vibrancy of Geist is a concern. Part of that involves environmental, boat traffic, and new development. My hope is that this park development helps to mitigate those concerns for residents and turn Geist into a distinct asset for all of Fishers.”

Public Input for Designs

Conceptual designs of the park, to be named at a later date, show the possibilities of the park development: fishing dock, public beach, kayak, boardwalk, natural playscapes, and opportunities for adventure races, triathlons, paddle boarding, and more. Fishers residents will have the opportunity to be involved in the final design of the park. No motorized boat launch will be permitted in the park area. See Frequently Asked Questions and see the Geist Waterfront Park presentation for more information.

Public Access to Geist

“To have a major natural asset like we do with Geist Reservoir is a great opportunity to encourage residents to enjoy nature a little more and unplug,” said Fishers Parks and Recreation Director Sarah Sandquist. “By adding public access to Geist, our entire community can enjoy this wonderful natural setting and I look forward to working with the community as designs for this park start to come together. At nearly double Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, the possibilities are endless.”

A Win-Win for Residents

“I hear from residents all the time that increasing boat traffic on Geist is the fastest way to reduce the recreational experience out there,” said City Councilor Pete Peterson. “This is a real opportunity to utilize Fall Creek and connect the reservoir in a natural way to some of the most beautiful areas of our city. This is a win-win situation for Geist residents. By creating this natural recreation area and reducing new development, it will ultimately lessen the added boat traffic that comes with more homes and docks.”

Questions & Concerns

Residents may address their questions or concerns by emailing Samantha Wisecup.