Does anyone know why the James Garfield statue is missing from in front of the Burrello Family Center in Garfield Park? If it away for repairs, do you know how long it will be gone?

I don't know the answer but I did forwarded your question to Mike Rogers, the editor of the Garfield Gazette newsletter. Mike is pretty savvy on happenings in the park. I will forward any response I get from him.

In the meantime you may have luck with one of the following numbers:

327-7275 (General Parks Information)
                       or
327-7220 (Burrello Family Center)

Larry

Thanks, Larry. Here's a quick update with hopes of more info down the road.

Paula Freund, Indy Park's head of PR, says the statue was removed because the center of its base was decaying and had become loose. She has made additional inquiries to learn if the damage can be repaired and/or if there are plans to replace the statue. If she can provide that info, I'll pass it along here.

Joe

This week, I happened to drop an inquiry to Paula at Indy Parks to see whether there was any news on the James Garfield statue. In case anyone else was wondering about the statue's status, here is her reply:

"Thanks for following up on the statue. It is currently awaiting restoration and has been moved indoors to protect it from the elements from further damage.

"There are many projects across the Indy Parks system similar to this statue that await renewal and maintenance upgrades that depend on funding. (The statue along the drive as you enter the Conservatory is one such project.)

"There are many supporters of our arts programs here at parks that we hope we will be able to look to to assist us with projects such as repairing the James Garfield statue at Garfield Park. We are super excited about the opportunity to improve the parks system and expand our successful programming. We hope we will find the funding soon to repair the James Garfield statue and return it to its rightful home."