New Projects
Private donations and corporate partnerships help us fund various Park projects throughout Valparaiso. Below are our most recent endeavors in need of funding.
Tot Spot Playground
OVERVIEW
The Tot Spot playground at Kirchhoff Park is a brand-new enrichment area designed specifically for children aged 6 months to 2 years. This space allows toddlers to explore freely while using playground features that boost early language skills and foster early motor skill development. More than just a playground, it serves as a vital hub for local caregivers to connect and find support. Stay tuned for ways you can be part of this exciting project.
PROJECT STATUS
Actively Accepting Pledges
Projects In Progress
Private donations and corporate partnerships have helped us fund various Park projects throughout Valparaiso. Below are a few recent highlights of projects currently in progress.
Flounder & Friends Skatepark
OVERVIEW
Flounder and Friends Skatepark brought together everyone in Valpo to support this amazing project. Designed by Valpo native Dug Ketterman, this world-class skate park brings skateboarding, inline skating, scootering, and biking into the light. With bowls, jumps, grind features, and stairs, this park has everything.
PROJECT STATUS
Actively Seeking Donations.
Creekside Trails
OVERVIEW
Creekside Trails is home to twelve miles of multi-use soft surface trails. Opened in Oct of 2019, this volunteer-supported project, headed up by lead trail designer Bob Spaulding, has become the favorite spot for Valpo’s outdoor adventurers to hike, bike and jog. Explore the trail as it meanders along Salt Creek or take a moment to enjoy the views from one of the many wooden features along the trail.
PROJECT STATUS
Ongoing Project. Currently Accepting Donations.
Fully Funded Projects
Private donations and corporate partnerships have helped us fully fund various Park projects throughout Valparaiso. Below are a few recent highlights of projects that are recently completed endeavors.
ValPAWraiso
Dog Park
OVERVIEW
Valpo Parks’ newest addition, ValPAWraiso Dog Park spans over 2 acres while featuring a large dog area and a separate small dog area, pavilions in each area, concrete pathways into each area and a plaza complete with PAW print bricks and archway. The second phase coming late summer/early fall of 2020 will feature a restroom, drinking fountain for both humans and dogs, as well as a paw wash!
PROJECT STATUS
Project Complete. Fully Funded. Thank you!
Tower Park Renovation
OVERVIEW
Lead gifts by Valpo natives Robbie Hummel and Jeff Samardzija and the Samardzija family, along with Purdue standout basketball player Brian Cardinal, and Purdue Community Hoops created momentum that launched the Leaders Giving Back campaign for the Tower Park renovation. Upon its completion, Tower Park became a state-of-the-art basketball, pickleball, and softball/baseball play area.
PROJECT STATUS
Project Complete. Fully Funded. Thank you!
Central Park Plaza
OVERVIEW
With lead gifts from private donors and corporate sponsors, Phase 1 and 2 were completed between 2011 and 2015. Phase 1, the 12,000-square-foot, $3 million Amphitheater includes an open air-stage with lighting and sound integrated into lawn seating areas, public restrooms and splash pad. Phase 2, a 135-foot-long by 85-foot-wide pavilion designed for activities in all four seasons: ice skating, farmers’ markets, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and civic gatherings. In 2016, Central Park Plaza was recognized as one of the nation’s best public spaces by the American Planning Association.
PROJECT STATUS
Project Complete. Fully Funded. Thank you!
ValPlayso - The Next Generation
OVERVIEW
More than 600 donors raised over $1 million in private funds to create this 18,000 square foot world-class all-inclusive playground. Even more remarkable were the 3,000 volunteers who worked countless hours to help design and build the playground which was completed in October of 2014 and sat adjacent to the previous ValPlayso, which was built in 1994.
PROJECT STATUS
Project Complete. Fully Funded. Thank you!
Service Memorial - Verterans & Volunteers Plaza
OVERVIEW
In the fall of 2000, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chequeuk Lodge 55, approached the Valpo Parks Foundation about funding and creating a Service Memorial on park property. On Memorial Day, 2003, the Service Memorial at Veterans & Volunteers Plaza was dedicated at Foundation Meadows Park.
PROJECT STATUS
Project Complete. Fully Funded. Thank you!
