Governor Joe Kernan Park upgrade ribbon cutting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Venues Parks and Arts hosted a ribbon-cutting with Mayor James Mueller at Governor Joe Kernan Park on Wednesday to celebrate all the new upgrades and accessibly measures that have been installed.

These new additions to the park have created a universally accessible trail along the upper Riverwalk, two new river outlooks, new signage, upgraded benches, and upgraded trash and recycling receptacles.

“The improvements at this particular park are significant for several reasons. First, the park honors one of the most impactful community members in our city’s history, Governor Joe Kernan, who loved this city and the St. Joseph River. Additionally, this park serves as an important connection along the riverfront trail system in South Bend, and these upgrades make the trail more accessible and navigable than it has ever been,” said Aaron Perri, South Bend Venues Parks and Arts Executive Director.

Governor Kernan was a military veteran as well when he became South Bend’s longest-serving mayor from 1987 to 1996 before being elected governor in 2003.

“It’s important that we as a community, and we as a people, we honor and we cherish our heroes. And Governor Kernan was an American hero, he was a South Bend hero, and he was also a Hoosier hero,” said Mayor James Mueller.

The park was renamed to honor Governor Kernan in 2017.