The city of South Bend is kicking off the renovation of the Howard Park Recreation Center with a groundbreaking event at 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 at Howard Park.
The recreation center project is part of a $50 million initiative, which started in 2016, to update the city’s shared green spaces through park, trail and riverfront upgrades. South Bend’s Venues, Parks and Arts Department is overseeing the project, which saw renovations begin in 2017.
The updates to Howard Park cost $20 million. About 60% of the funding for the project is coming through grants and partnerships, according to city staff.
Representatives for the city said after Howard Park’s existing ice rink and recreation reached the end of its life cycle, plans for a new space became a priority. The latest phase of the new Howard Park will include a new mixed-use community center, new ice/water feature and a signature playground.
The new multi-purpose building will be at the corner of Jefferson and St. Louis boulevards. Its design will model the urban area surrounding the park.
Architectural lighting will artistically adorn areas of the park to complement the South Bend River Lights and modern sound systems will be installed in select recreational areas.
The new designs also feature a unique space specifically designed for adjacent street festivals and food trucks.
