(Image provided, City of Valparaiso)
In Valparaiso, Valpo Parks says it is announcing a significant investment in the city’s park system with the launch of “rePLAY”, a $10 million initiative to enhance and upgrade ten existing parks in 2025. “Over the past decade, it’s been rewarding to add offerings like the Flounder and Friends Skatepark, Creekside Trails, ValPAWraiso Dog Park, and more. But we’ve never lost sight of the timeless parks we grew up loving,” said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “The rePLAY initiative ensures our existing parks remain cherished gathering places for generations to come.” Improvements are set to include restrooms, shelters, sports fields, pickleball courts, and more.
Parks included in the rePLAY initiative are Kirchhoff Park, Fairgrounds Park, Tower Park, ValPlayso, Foundation Meadows Park, Rogers Lakewood Park, Ogden Botanical Gardens, Glenrose South Park, Will Park and Banta Park. “The rePLAY initiative is a direct result of ongoing public input and our comprehensive Parks Master Plan,” said Kevin Nuppnau, Valpo Parks Director. “This initiative will not only improve our existing parks but also ensure they continue to serve as vital community gathering places.” The rePLAY initiative will be funded using bond proceeds originally earmarked for the proposed sports park, instead putting them to immediate use for long-term benefits, a news release said. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with projects completed by the end of the year. To learn more and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit https://valpoparks.org/709/Parks-rePLAY .
