South Bend Mayor James Mueller and other city officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new LaSalle Park.
“LaSalle Park is a real asset to the neighborhood and South Bend community,” Mueller said in a press release. “I am glad that we were able to rebuild this park better than before our environmental work to keep it safe for residents into the future.”
After receiving community input in 2021, Mueller committed funding to the project. He worked with the Common Council and Redevelopment Commission to invest more than $2.1 million for the park renovation.
Work began at LaSalle Park in August 2023. Following the completion of the EPA’s remediation of the park, the renovation was completed earlier this year.
New features at LaSalle Park include:
- Paths that allow foot traffic to flow through the park, while connecting existing pedestrian routes and the surrounding neighborhood
- Roller skating loop with sloped features
- An additional pavilion and picnic area
- A large outdoor restroom
- Shaded seating around the Charles Black Center patio area and throughout the park
- An additional 61 trees throughout the park
- Remodel of the existing basketball courts
- Repaved parking lot
“We celebrate a transformed space that improves connectivity, parking and expands park amenities, including an outdoor restroom, picnic area, new pavilion, native plantings, trees and a skating/walking loop,” Jordan Gathers, Venues Parks & Arts executive director, in a press release. “This project reflects our commitment to a vibrant and inclusive South Bend for all.”
