Million dollar project transforms local park

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Pulaski Park has received a $1.2 million dollar face lift!

“It is uniquely situated in that community. It’s a true neighborhood park and so often people only think about the marquee parks in our system. You hear about Howard Or Potawamani park quite a bit and you tend to overlook the fact we have over 40 different neighborhood parks that have been getting upgraded and this one is a really special one for us," said Executive Director for South Bend Venues Park and Arts, Aaron Perri.

This project has been in the works for quite some time.

“Pulaski park is just one of about 42 different park projects we’ve been doing over the past 5 years," said Perri.

All falling under an umbrella initiative called My SB Parks and Trails Project.

“We did a lot of community feed back sessions took a whole analysis of the entire park system kind of saw what was tired what needed to be upgraded and it turned out to be just about everything," said Perri.

To begin these needed projects the group began to raise funds.

“It’s a 62 million dollar program that touches just about every single neighborhood," said Perri. "Pulaski park comes in at over a one million dollar project.”

All stemming from three parts: private donations, parks bonds funded through tax dollars, and redevelopment TIFF dollars all used to help get the park ready to re-open back up to the public.

“You’ll see a brand new splash pad, new play ground equipment, irrigated soccer fields, soccer is a big part of the identity of Pulaski park. A new parking lot, new restroom facility, new pavilion," said Perri.

Another facet that makes this park special is that it was renamed to fit the unique community who would be using the park.

“This is the Delores Huerta Pavillon and Fields at Pulaski Park. You would hear about her right a long somebody like Martin Luther King Jr. She is a huge activist for migrant farm workers and Latino community. This is a park very important to the Latino community ands its really the only the second park in our system named for a female," said Perri.

All used to breathe new life into the community.

“Hey if we can have nice quality places that is business development that is helping improve property values for the neighborhoods," said Perri.

Now and for the years to come.

"This is just the beginning. I think these parks will continue to live and breathe and we have built in room for other things to be added. And we look forward to seeing how the community uses it and will continue to evolve it," said Perri.

If you are interested in seeing the new park, SBVPA is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, July 16th starting at 4:30 p.m.

The celebration will include food trucks, games, and other activities to bring the community together to celebrate their new destination spot.