Tuhey Park is a 7.25-acre municipal riverside park and aquatic recreation center located at the intersection of West White River Boulevard and North Wheeling Avenue in Muncie, Indiana (47303). Named in honor of former Muncie mayor and civic leader Edward Tuhey, the park occupies a grassy bend along the north bank of the White River, just north of Downtown Muncie and east of Ball State University. First developed in the 1930s as a New Deal public works initiative with a historic limestone bathhouse and community pool, the park underwent a multi-million-dollar modernization that transformed it into a premier family gathering spot featuring a zero-depth entry pool, an interactive free splash pad, inclusive playground equipment, and direct access to the White River Greenway.
What to Expect at Tuhey Park
The centerpiece of Tuhey Park during the warmer months is Tuhey Pool and its adjacent public splash pad. Operated in partnership between the City of Muncie Parks and Recreation Department and the YMCA of Muncie, the aquatic complex features a fenced 50-meter swimming pool with designated lap lanes, a zero-depth beach-style entry zone for toddlers, water slides, and shaded deck seating. Immediately outside the gated pool enclosure sits the free community splash pad, where motion-activated water jets, dumping buckets, and ground geysers run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day without an admission fee.
Beyond the water facilities, the park’s level lawn is shaded by mature sycamore, oak, and maple trees that frame views of the White River. Families gather around the modern playground structure, which incorporates rubberized safety surfacing, climbing walls, slides, and sensory play panels suitable for both toddlers and older elementary-age children. Paved walkways link the open picnic shelters and charcoal grill stations directly to the White River Greenway, a paved multi-use trail that follows the river levee across Muncie, making Tuhey Park a convenient trailhead for cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers.
- Tuhey Pool Complex: A gated municipal swimming facility managed with the YMCA of Muncie, equipped with a zero-depth entry area, lap swimming lanes, water slides, bathhouse locker rooms, and a snack concession stand.
- Free Interactive Splash Pad: Located outside the paid pool fence, this seasonal water play zone offers push-button spray arches and ground fountains at no cost to visitors.
- All-Abilities Playground: A contemporary play complex with cushioned surfacing, adaptive swings, slides, and climbing apparatuses positioned within sightlines of shaded park benches.
- White River Greenway Access: Direct paved connections to Muncie’s flagship riverside trail system, allowing visitors to walk or bike west toward Ball State University or east toward McCulloch Park.
- Tuhey Towers & Open Picnic Shelters: Iconic historic brick architectural columns and covered pavilion tables equipped with trash receptacles and nearby seasonal public restrooms.
Tuhey Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | W White River Blvd & North Wheeling Ave, Muncie, IN 47303 |
| Neighborhood / Area | White River Corridor / Near Downtown & Minnetrista |
| Operating Hours | Park grounds open 24 hours daily; Pool & Splash Pad operate seasonally (late May to August) |
| Admission / Price Range | Park, playground, and splash pad are free; Tuhey Pool daily admission is $5 per person (free for children under 2) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site paved parking lot off W White River Blvd; MITS Bus Route 3 (Wheeling Ave) |
| Official Website & Phone | cityofmuncie.com | +1 765-747-4734 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For the most relaxed experience at the splash pad and playground during June and July, arrive between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM before afternoon heat draws camp groups and neighborhood crowds. If you plan to swim at Tuhey Pool, weekday afternoons after 12:00 PM or late-afternoon discounted swim windows offer the best value; bring cash or a card for the $5 gate fee and concession stand snacks. Drivers can pull directly into the free paved parking lot along West White River Boulevard just west of the North Wheeling Avenue bridge. Public transit riders can board Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) Route 3, which stops right at the Wheeling Avenue bridge entrance.
Tuhey Park is designed for straightforward accessibility, featuring flat paved sidewalks connecting the parking lot to the playground, splash pad, bathhouse, and river levee trail, plus zero-depth entry and pool lift access inside the swimming area. Because the park sits at a central junction of Muncie’s cultural corridor, it pairs naturally with nearby landmarks. Walk 10 minutes north along North Wheeling Avenue or the greenway connector to reach Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and the Oakhurst Gardens historic estate, or head 10 minutes south across the White River Bridge into Downtown Muncie for locally roasted coffee, casual lunch spots along Walnut Street, and the Muncie Children’s Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Tuhey Park and Tuhey Pool?
The general park grounds, picnic lawns, and White River Greenway trail connections at Tuhey Park are accessible 24 hours a day year-round. During the summer season from Memorial Day weekend through early August, Tuhey Pool typically operates daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (weather permitting), while the adjacent splash pad runs from morning until dusk.
How much does it cost to visit Tuhey Park and use the splash pad?
Entering Tuhey Park, using the playground, picnicking, and playing at the outdoor splash pad are completely free of charge. Entering the fenced Tuhey Pool complex costs $5 per person for general daily admission, with discounted admission after 4:00 PM and free entry for children under age 2.
How much time should families budget for a visit?
Families stopping strictly for the playground and free splash pad usually spend 60 to 90 minutes on site. If you are purchasing day passes for Tuhey Pool or combining a picnic lunch with a walk along the White River Greenway, plan for 2 to 3.5 hours.
Is Tuhey Park wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, Tuhey Park is highly accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers. The park provides designated accessible parking spaces, step-free concrete pathways linking the lot to the splash pad and pavilion, rubberized playground surfacing, and a zero-depth ramp entry at the municipal pool.
When planning your Muncie travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Muncie, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hampton Inn & Suites Muncie, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Muncie, an IHG Hotel, Thai Kitchen, and Escape Muncie (0.3 km away).
