Geist Waterfront Park rendering

About the Project

The City of Fishers acquired and began investing in a 70-acre waterfront property in 2018 at Geist Reservoir to develop a public, waterfront park, adding Fishers Parks' list of robust, vibrant, and diverse recreational facilities city-wide. The park serves as the only public parcels on 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 include a beach, playground, picnic shelters, walking trails, open green space, and a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks and paddle boards. Phase 1 construction finished in late 2022 for the park's opening in spring 2023. Geist Waterfront Park will be built in phases, with an anticipated full completion date of 2040.

Plan Your Visit

Entrance

Fishers residents will use their Fishers SmartPass to go through the gate and park. Non-residents will be required to purchase a parking pass 48 hours in advance of their visit due to limited parking on site.

Both residents and non-residents are welcome to walk or bike to the park, which does not require a SmartPass, parking pass, or any fee for entry.

Fishers Residents Register here: SmartPass button

Non-residents parking pass here:

Parking Pass button Opens in new window


Hours of Operation

Geist Waterfront Park will be open dawn to dusk for visitors to enjoy our playground, non-motorized boat launch, trails, and more. 

In the off season (after Labor Day weekend), the park property will remain open dawn to dusk, but the swimming access is restricted. During the off season, there are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is prohibited.

Water Quality

During Phase 1 construction of the Geist Waterfront Park property, a significant amount of work was done to develop the beach and cove for public and park use. In this process, we discovered three freshwater springs in the cove, which serve as a constant supply of fresh water. Additionally, the City has installed six industrial-sized aerators, positioned throughout the cove, to continually move water, which improves water quality. These can be seen next to the large, orange buoys in the water.

Before the beach opens annually, the Fishers Parks will complete water testing, followed by weekly testing through the summer season to ensure water is safe for all swimmers. Since the beginning, water quality has been a priority as we serve our residents and community. 

Water Quality Alerts & What They Mean

The Fishers Health Department conducts regular testing of open waters in Fishers to monitor water quality levels, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria such as E. coli. For Geist Waterfront Park, Fishers Parks conducts regular testing specific to the beach area.

Bacteria, such as E. coli grow faster at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures combined with rain events and environmental factors can increase the pathogenic bacteria levels such as E. coli. Fishers has both urban and agricultural runoff inputs into the watershed which affects our water quality.

In the event of a failed water-quality test, swimming is prohibited for the day, and testing will be completed daily thereafter until the water tests as clean and safe.. Beach closures will be communicated via the Fishers Parks Twitter page.

How often are waterways tested?
Open waterways are tested monthly, with Geist Waterfront Park cove being testing weekly. Specific locations are listed on the Open Water Quality page.

What if I've been exposed to open water with unsatisfactory results? 
Individuals should contact their health care provider. Make sure to ask the doctor to consider testing for E. coli. Let the doctor know when and where you suspect you were infected.

How can I find more information about the results of the testing in all open water areas? 
For a full list of waterways and their results, click here.

Facility & Weather Updates

Please follow Fishers Park on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements regarding facility and weather updates.

Amenities
Kayaking with Wheel Fun Rentals at Geist Waterfront Park


Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals

Available during the beach season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wheel Fun Rentals provides kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals at Geist Waterfront Park. For current hours of operation, rental rates, and more information, click here.


Geist Waterfront Park kayak launch



Kayak Launch

Our non-motorized boat launch is the perfect spot to launch your kayak, canoe, or paddle board! Our boat launch is not accessible by automobile. All non-motorized watercraft must be transported from your vehicle to our launch point on foot or with your own cart.

Don't have equipment? See above for kayak and stand-up paddle board rental options.

triathlete swim training


Open-Water Swimming for Triathletes

Geist Waterfront Park opens the cove past the swim lines from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, for triathletes to practice open-water swimming. All open-water swimmers will need to check in at the lifeguard tent.

Geist Waterfront Park playground



Playground

Geist Waterfront Park is home to a large pirate ship-themed playground, as well as a variety of slides, swings, and other fun play equipment for kids of all ages to explore sand and water beachside! The playground is open during regular park hours.

Geist Waterfront Park beach
GWP Concessions.Portrait



Beach

With 3 underwater freshwater springs, 6 large aerators working 24 hours a day, and weekly water testing completed throughout the beach season in our cove, our beach is a sparkling amenity in the Fishers Parks lineup.





Concessions and Restrooms

During our peak season (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), concessions are available daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cash or card accepted.

Private restrooms line both sides of the concession building with infant changing tables and a handicap-accessible restroom with an adult-sized changing table. 


Beach Rules

  • Swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is present. Lifeguards are only present from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
  • During our peak season (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), swimming access is restricted before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. (We ask that you not enter the water or park your belongings on the beach until 10 a.m., daily. Additionally please gather your belongings and prepare to depart the beach by 8 p.m.)
  • Smoking, vaping, or alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the beach.
  • No glass containers permitted on the beach.
  • Only Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices or pool noodles are permitted. The prohibition of other flotation devices is a policy made to ensure water safety. 
  • Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the water.
  • Children under 14 years of age and non-swimmers shall not use the beach unless accompanied by an adult. 
  • Swimming is allowed only in the designated swimming areas, marked by buoys.
  • Nudity is not allowed on the beach and the entirety of the Geist Waterfront Park property.
  • Horseplay or conduct that may result in injury is restricted.
  • Fishing is not allowed when the swimming area is open to public recreational swimming.
  • Fires, fire pits, and grills are prohibited on the beach.

Indiana Department of Health Rules

  • Anyone who has or has had diarrhea in the past two (2) weeks shall not use the beach.
  • Anyone who has an area of exposed sub-epidermal tissue, open blisters, cuts, etc., is advised not to use the beach.
  • All persons shall take a cleansing shower before using the beach. A bather leaving the beach to use the toilet shall take another cleansing shower before returning to the beach.
  • Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, and similar behavior in the water is prohibited. 
  • No running or rough play is permitted on the beach, runways, floats, platforms, dressing rooms, or showers.
  • Street clothes are not allowed in the water.
  • All diaper-aged children shall use plastic pants with tight-fitting elastic at the legs and waist, or swim diapers.
  • Do not change diapers beachside.

Healthy Swimming at the Beach

  • Don't swallow the water.
  • Shower before & after swimming.
  • Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming.
  • Avoid swimming after a rain event. Rain can wash contaminants from on land into the water.
  • Avoid swimming if you see a blue-green algae bloom.
  • Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
  • Take children on frequent bathroom breaks when swimming.
  • Change diapers frequently and away from the water. Wash your hands and the child's hands after changing diapers.
  • Dispose of trash, animal waste, and boat waste properly.
  • Waterfowl (ducks, geese, seagulls, other  birds) are part of the scenery. We discourage you from feeding any wildlife you may encounter.