Latest news with #ValparaisoParksDepartment
Chicago Tribune
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso Parks unveils ValPlayso pickleball courts as among first of 2025 parks upgrades
While reviewing a previous 2020-21 Valparaiso Parks 'masterplan and resident research study,' Kevin Nuppnau, director of the Valparaiso Parks Department, noticed the word 'pickleball' didn't appear anywhere in the documents or among the park patron requests for upgrades. 'I've been in my director role for two years now, and before that, five years with the department,' Nuppnau said Monday while unveiling six new pickleball courts joining the ValPlayso park landscape. 'Pickleball wasn't a term we really heard until about three years ago.' What was previously a greenspace devoted to T-ball is now the six-court sprawl devoted to this popular paddle, net and court sport called pickleball, included in the $25 million recent enhancement plan for the existing park landscapes in the city-funded by the rePLAY initiative. The public ground-breaking ceremony was April 15 at ValPlayso Park at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Roosevelt Road. 'This project came in at around $500,000 and it was finished about a week ahead of schedule, which is wonderful,' Nuppnau said. 'It was more than just a construction effort, but also consideration and engineering for proper drainage.' Following a ribbon cutting and opening remarks from Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas Monday morning, more than 200 park revelers, including eager pickleball enthusiasts, swarmed the fenced courts adorned with green 'seed dotted' pickle-design balloon archways and borders. 'I liked that Mayor Costas inaugurated the courts with the first paddle hit,' said Lance Werner, 57, of LaPorte. 'In about two weeks, LaPorte is about to open our eight new pickleball courts, too. I wanted to come out to see what the Valparaiso design looks like. I love that each court here was created with its own paddle racks to make it easy to keep track of your racket from home. Our LaPorte mayor, Tom Dermody, plays pickleball. I'm going to suggest these two mayors have a pickleball playoff.' Molly Brust, 30, of Valparaiso, brought her paddles to play a 20-minute session against her pal Karley Wajda, 24, of LaPorte. 'It's great exercise for me since I started playing pickleball nearly two years ago,' Brust said. 'Pickleball also creates a nice sense of community, too. These new courts are spaced just right to provide the opportunity for some shared space to talk and meet other people playing.' In recent years, the Valparaiso Parks Department has converted low-traffic former basketball and tennis hard-surface outdoor courts into pickleball courts at Bicentennial Park, 175 Burlington Beach Road, Tower Park at 1000 Franklin St., and Kirchhoff Park at 400 Roosevelt Road. The Valparaiso YMCA at 1201 Cumberland has three indoor pickleball courts. The sport can be played with single players or double teams and uses a low net and lined boundary courts with paddles swatting an aerated, light, plastic, bright yellow, green or orange ball, like a Wiffle ball. The game score goes up 11 points, with the winner needing to win by two points, making it similar to tennis scoring. Pickleball enthusiast Linda Rodenbarger of Valparaiso also spoke during the opening remarks at Monday's ribbon cutting. 'The timing is so ideal for these new courts to open just as the pickleball courts at Kirchoff Park will now close for that park's renovations,' said Rodenbarger, who has helped coordinate pickleball teams and competition tiers using an app called TeamReach. 'I knew nothing about pickleball until about two years ago, while in Florida, when I was told about it and gave it a try. I came home to Valparaiso and started telling others about pickleball. It's a sport that has a great sense of community, and it's great for all ages.' 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,' Nuppnau said. 'This initiative will not only improve our existing parks but also ensure they continue to serve as vital community gathering places.' Nuppnau said the rePLAY initiative is funded using the bond proceeds that were originally earmarked for the proposed sports park, shelved last year because of the excessive cost, to now put the bond funding to immediate use for long-term benefits. To learn more about the rePLAY initiative and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit
Chicago Tribune
02-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso Parks begins to ‘transform' 16-acre former McGill factory site
The Valparaiso Parks Department has entered a partnership with Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater, Florida, for the projected $20 million redevelopment of the former McGill factory at 909 N. Lafayette St. near the heart of downtown Valparaiso. After 116 years in operation and founded by James McGill, McGill Manufacturing ceased operations in 2021. For more than a century, the factory lines assembled and produced a variety of components and specialized in providing the switches and wiring needed for appliances ranging from washers to power tools, with shifts working around the clock. Director of Valpo Parks Kevin Nuppnau said the project 'marks a significant step forward in bringing a comprehensive indoor recreation and enrichment campus to the Valparaiso community.' The expansive structure and its surrounding parking lots had fallen into an untidy appearance of weeds, peeling paint and visible graffiti on the exterior in recent years. The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission purchased the property earlier this spring for $2.5 million. The Valparaiso Parks Department envisions transforming the 16-acre site, including its expansive 225,000-square-foot industrial building, into a year-round recreation hub for programming and activities. The temporary project name is the Valpo Recreation and Enrichment Campus (Valpo REC), billed as 'a multi-faceted facility for diverse programming and dedicated spaces for sports, community events, rental opportunities, and various educational activities for residents and visitors.' Sports Facilities Companies will serve in the capacity as 'owner's representative,' which Nuppnau explains 'provides crucial oversight and expertise throughout the project, ensuring efficient planning, design and construction. 'The immediate next step in this process will be for Valpo Parks and SFC to issue a Request for Proposals for a qualified design-build firm, which our team intends to issue the RFP by mid-July,' Nuppnau said. 'This partnership with Sports Facilities Companies is a testament to our commitment to delivering a world-class indoor recreational solution for Valparaiso,' Nuppnau said. 'Their extensive experience in developing and managing premier sports and recreation facilities aligns perfectly with our vision for Valpo REC. We are excited to move forward with a partner who will ensure this project progresses efficiently and effectively, ultimately creating a valuable community asset.' Nuppnau said funding for the redevelopment of the property will be strategically sourced through the remaining Sports Park bond funds, grant opportunities and public-private partnerships, and he anticipates opening the new facility in Fall 2027. 'While the project team is committed to maintaining the $20 million budget, several options would be considered should costs exceed this figure, such as reducing the project scope and implementing it in multiple phases while leveraging the Valpo Parks Foundation's strong fundraising history to secure private donations and exploring the issuance of a general obligation or revenue bonds to ensure project completion,' Nuppnau said. Valparaiso City Council member Diana Reed, D-1st, who serves as the council liaison for the park department, said the Regional Development Commission's funding to purchase the property came from a portion of the $15 million bond the RDC originally took out for the unrealized sports complex pushed as a favorite project under previous Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy in 2023. 'While $20 million is the projected budget, the city will also explore available grant funding as well as contributions from other entities. There isn't any existing space currently in Valparaiso similar in capacity or use when compared to Fairgrounds Park Pavilion or private spaces like Journeyman Distillery for weddings and events. Measuring in at 225,000 square feet, this new park and event space is bigger than any of the previous mentioned, including the Porter County Expo Center.' For more information related to the project, visit
Chicago Tribune
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso unveils new playground designed for children of all abilities
Melissa Schick of Chesterton is amazed at the 'thought, imagination and caring design' used to create that latest addition to the Valparaiso Parks System. On Friday morning, Schick and her 37-year-old son Mark, who is a proud athlete and participant in the annual Special Olympics competitions, joined more than 200 gathered for Valparaiso Parks Department's unveiling of the new, inclusive playground at Foundation Meadows Park, described as 'a state-of-the-art play space thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities.' 'I wish there had been something like this for Mark and others 30 years ago,' said Schick, who was joined by her daughter-in-law and children, Rain, nearly a year old, and River, 2. They all marveled at the new landscape at Foundation Meadows Park, 3210 N. Campbell St. in Valparaiso. 'This incredible 5,230-square-foot playground, built through the rePLAY initiative, is a testament to Valpo Parks' commitment to providing meaningful spaces where all children can play, explore, and connect,' Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau said. 'The design incorporates innovative features to ensure accessibility and engagement for every child.' Among the highlights are the 12-foot-high Aventus Tower, an accessible tower with platforms allowing anyone of any ability to climb and explore and billed as 'the first of its kind.' A range of 10 slides safely serves all ages and thrill levels. There are 15 ground-level activities and eight sensory play experiences for discovery. Seven elevated components, all accessible by ramp, oversee the entire terrain and a large sled-like bench swing is designed for both children and their caregivers and large enough to welcome wheelchairs. According to Nuppnau, the park construction began in January, and the total cost was around $500,000, with a large portion of that cost dedicated to the price of the smooth, poured-in-place surfacing throughout the park space that is ideal for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. 'Valpo Parks extends its sincere gratitude for the collective hard work of parks staff and our partners at GameTime which made the equipment and Sinclair Recreation which developed the design and offered such key contributions to make this dream a reality,' Nuppnau said. Jessica Sharp, clinical director for Kidworks, LLC. Pediatric Therapy Center in Chesterton, said the new park will 'allow all kids to be kids, despite compromised abilities. 'Thank you Valparaiso Parks for this new space,' Sharp said. 'The equipment and features in this new park address sensory needs, coordination, communication with kids, motor skills, physical exercise and most of all, a place for young spirits to build up their confidence. Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas performed the ribbon-cutting honors with the help of his own grandchildren Bill and Ellen. 'Foundation Meadows Park was developed in the early 2000s, and it's the park of my own past,' Costas said. 'Today, this is the park of the future.' Tristan Leonhard, assistant director of Valparaiso Parks Department, said the new park unveiling is part of the rePLAY initiative to prioritize enhancing patron accessibility, address infrastructure needs, implement safety measures and invest in sustainability practices. He said the rePLAY initiative is funded by using bond proceeds originally earmarked for what was last year's proposed sports park that are now being put to immediate use for long-term benefits. 'Park renovations and construction are expected to be completed by the end of the year,' Leonhard said. To learn more about the rePLAY initiative and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit
Chicago Tribune
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Active Kids Day in Valparaiso offers musical instruments and fun for kids, resources for parents
Downtown Valparaiso's Central Park Plaza was full of families with young children enjoying Active Kids Day Sunday, sponsored by the Valparaiso Parks Department. Vendors lined the plaza with hands-on activities, musical instruments, and information for parents on different programs. The event was planned to encourage kids to get involved and be active. All day long there were demonstrations of kid-centric activities and on-site registrations for camps, clinics, sports, and lessons. 'We really lucked out with the weather,' said Tyler Ingram, the new special events coordinator for Valparaiso Parks. 'It's a beautiful day and we have great attendance.' 'Our free events are not possible without our sponsors, and we have great vendors that are staples at a lot of our events,' said Ingram. 'We are hoping that those here today take a look at all the parks has to offer with our different programs, day camps, and pathways and trails. Danielle Reed, of Chesterton, attended the event with her daughter Savannah and a friend. 'So far, the kids are liking the bouncy house and all the hands-on activities and the gymnastics,' said Reed. 'They got to touch different types of fur at the Gabis Arboretum booth and they really liked that.' 'I'm here taking in everything,' said Reed. 'There are amazing businesses here that I never even knew existed.' 'I think this is great because it gives everyone a chance to see what some of the vendors have to offer,' said Tiffany Hoefler, of Valparaiso, who attended Active Kids Day with her two children. 'There are a lot of camps and different activities that I may be able to get my kids involved in.' Adrienne Weaver, of Westville, is an instructor at Innovative Music & Arts Studio in Valparaiso. She and the studio's owner, Kim Dale, were giving demonstrations with a DJ for kids to get involved and try rhythm instruments. 'We have drums and other instruments that kids can try today, and we want them to get their interest started at a young age,' said Weaver, who teaches strings and piano. Dana Gibson is the practice manager for Associated Pediatricians, who has been a vendor at this event for several years. Their practice had over 20 people working shifts throughout the day at their booth. 'At the practice, we pride ourselves on encouraging kids to be active and healthy,' said Gibson. 'This community event supports exactly what we want our patients to do.' Only 20-28% of children ages 6-17 meet the daily physical activity recommendation of 60 minutes and that number has decreased since 2016, and that physical activity declines with age, according to the Physical Activity Alliance, which is the nation's largest coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity. Valpo Parks offers summer programs for kids at Discovery Cottage and Discovery Day Camp at Rogers Lakewood, including youth programs and special events throughout the summer. For more information, visit
Chicago Tribune
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso Parks ready for more pickleball with $10 million upgrades, joining growing fascination with court sport
When Kevin Nuppnau, director of the Valparaiso Parks Department, began planning the use of funds for an ambitious $25 million 'enhancement' for the existing park landscapes in the city, he discovered a surge of interest for the paddle, net and court sport pickleball. 'Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport,' Nuppnau said. 'And the addition of new courts, funded by the rePLAY initiative, reflects our commitment to providing diverse and accessible recreational amenities for our community. We are thrilled to move forward with this project and bring these much-anticipated pickleball courts to ValPlayso Park.' The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at ValPlayso Park at the intersection of Glendale Boulevard and Roosevelt Road. In recent years, the Valparaiso Parks Department has converted low-traffic former basketball and tennis hard-surface outdoor courts into pickleball courts at Bicentennial Park, 175 Burlington Beach Road; Tower Park at 1000 Franklin St.; and Kirchhoff Park at 400 Roosevelt Road. The Valparaiso YMCA at 1201 Cumberland has three indoor pickleball courts. Nuppnau described the excitement about the launch of this week's project as 'a highly anticipated upgrade for ValPlayso Park' for the arrival of six new outdoor pickleball courts. 'Pickleball's incredible popularity as the fastest-growing sport, coupled with the strong public input we received, underscores the importance of this project,' Nuppnau said. 'We are grateful to be bringing a first-class pickleball experience to residents and visitors.' One of the first indoor pickleball courts in Northwest Indiana came in September 2021 with the launch of Pickle Time pickleball courts at 10960 Delaware Parkway in Crown Point. 'Pickleball has been around since 1965,' said Jennifer Hall, who co-owns Pickle Time with her husband, Larry. 'Larry first learned about pickleball while working in Florida in 2020 during the NBA bubble time for about four months during the pandemic. He learned to play it and brought the idea home to me.' The sport can be played with single players or double teams and uses a low net and lined boundary courts with paddles swatting an aerated, light, plastic, bright yellow, green or orange ball, like a Wiffle ball. The game score goes up 11 points, with the winner needing to win by two points, making it similar to tennis scoring. 'Once people start, they just want to keep playing it,' Hall said. 'It's great exercise, low impact, and it's as competitive as you want it to be.' In November 2024, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott held a ribbon cutting for 12 new indoor pickleball courts at the Jean Shepherd Community Center at 3031 Mahoney Drive in Hammond. The new Hammond YMCA, 6532 Indianapolis Boulevard, which also opened in November 2023, has three indoor courts. Next month, St. John will begin construction on outdoor pickleball courts added to Gates of St. John Park at 10201 Park Place. Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas believes the new pickleball courts will also draw visitors from neighboring communities to utilize the new play space. 'Over the past decade, it's been rewarding to add offerings like the Flounder and Friends Skatepark, Creekside Trails, ValPAWraiso Dog Park and more,' Costas said. 'But we've never lost sight of the timeless parks we grew up loving. The rePLAY initiative ensures our existing parks remain cherished gathering places for generations to come.' 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,' Nuppnau said. 'This initiative will not only improve our existing parks but also ensure they continue to serve as vital community gathering places.' Nuppnau said the rePLAY initiative is funded using the bond proceeds that were originally earmarked for the proposed sports park, shelved last year because of the excessive cost, to put the bond funding to immediate use for long-term benefits. To learn more about the rePLAY initiative and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit
