The City of Valparaiso has been exploring the concept of expanding its downtown park, Central Park Plaza. “Central Park Plaza was the spark that began the transformation of our downtown nearly 15 years ago, revitalizing our downtown to the attraction it is today. The City is studying options to expand on this success, incorporating ideas the community has suggested through the years,” said Mayor Jon Costas. Costas stressed that this is the beginning of a long process to determine if this idea is viable, beneficial, worthwhile and fair to all concerned.
In investigating options, city officials have initiated preliminary conversations with the two landowners to the east of Central Park Plaza. “We are at the start of a long process and there are many uncertainties. Does expanding Central Park Plaza make sense? Can the City acquire the necessary property? What are the costs and sources for funding? How can the impacted residents and businesses be helped? Those and many other questions will need to be addressed before I take any action to move this process forward,” said Costas.
“To maintain our growing and vibrant community, the City must always be exploring new ideas. Some ideas, like the new skatepark and pickleball courts, make sense. Others do not. But to stop considering and exploring ways to enhance our community because misinformation and social media videos travel faster than a deliberative process, would be a mistake and a disservice,” he shared.
Central Park Plaza opened in 2011 and was created without borrowing money or issuing bonds. Shortly after opening with the Porter Health Amphitheater (now Northwest Health), splash pad and green spaces, an expansion was launched, which opened in 2015 and included the William E. Urschel Pavilion and Ice Rink, plus the Indiana Beverage Activity Center. This expansion was prompted by the success of the original park and the expansion has contributed to the success of Central Park Plaza and its surrounding businesses. It was funded with existing funds, grants and donations.
“I have said on numerous occasions that a good process brings a good result. If after the City’s preliminary investigations, expanding Central Park Plaza is feasible and makes sense, there will be numerous opportunities for robust public engagement before any decisions are made,” said Costas.
The City plans to share more of the ideas under consideration early next week.