City Hosts Ribbon Cutting for LaSalle Park

November 20, 2024

Today, Mayor James Mueller along with other city and council leadership celebrated the completion of the LaSalle Park project with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

"LaSalle Park is a real asset to the neighborhood and South Bend community," said Mayor James Mueller. "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, Mayor Mueller committed funding to the project and worked with the Common Council and Redevelopment Commission to invest over $2.1M for this project.

The work began at LaSalle Park in August 2023, and following the successful completion of the EPA's remediation of the park, fully finished the project earlier this year.

New features at LaSalle Park include:

• New paths that allow foot traffic to flow more naturally through the park, all while connecting the existing pedestrian routes and the surrounding neighborhood
• Roller skating loop with unique sloped features
• An additional pavilion and picnic area which is adjacent to the main parking lot and is situated to better support large events and family gatherings
• A large outdoor restroom that is centrally located and positioned to accommodate high use areas
• New 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
• Fully 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," said Venues Parks & Arts Executive Director, Jordan Gathers. "This project reflects our commitment to a vibrant and inclusive South Bend for all."