Valpo Parks’ newest addition, ValPAWraiso Dog Park spans over 2 acres while featuring a large dog area and a separate small dog area, pavilions in each area, concrete pathways into each area and a plaza complete with PAW print bricks and archway. The second phase coming late summer/early fall of 2020 will feature a restroom, drinking fountain for both humans and dogs, as well as a paw wash!

Creekside Trails is home to six miles of multi-use soft surface trails. The Creekside property was purchased by the City of Valparaiso in 1992 from the Johnson family. The property remained unaltered until spring 2019 when a group of community members approached the Parks Department with a vision to bring mountain biking to Valparaiso. In March of 2019, volunteers led by lead trail designer Bob Spaulding, broke ground and by October of the same year the trail was deemed safe to hike, bike and jog.

Lead gifts by Valpo natives Robbie Hummel and Jeff Samardzija and the Samardzija family, along with Purdue standout basketball player Brian Cardinal, and Purdue Community Hoops created momentum that launched the Leaders Giving Back campaign for the Tower Park renovation. Upon its completion Tower Park became a state-of-the-art basketball, pickleball, and softball/baseball play area. 

With lead gifts from private donors and corporate sponsors, Phase 1 and 2 were completed between 2011 and 2015. Phase 1, the 12,000-square-foot, $3 million Amphitheater includes an open air-stage with lighting and sound integrated into lawn seating areas, public restrooms and splash pad. Phase 2, a 135-foot-long by 85-foot-wide pavilion designed for activities in all four seasons: ice skating, farmers’ markets, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and civic gatherings. In 2016, Central Park Plaza was recognized as one of the nation’s best public spaces by the American Planning Association.

More than 600 donors raised over $1 million in private funds to create this 18,000 square foot world-class all-inclusive playground. Even more remarkable were the 3,000 volunteers who worked countless hours to help design and build the playground which was completed in October of 2014 and sat adjacent to the previous ValPlayso, which was built in 1994.

In 2013, Butterfly Meadow & Caterpillar Crossing Park was competed. Located at Foundation Meadows Park, this unique playground is designed specifically for the Valparaiso community including adventurous slides, interactive learning station, preschool specialty area, and much more!

Creekside Golf Course is situated on pristine, rolling land acquired by the city of Valparaiso in 1992. Groundbreaking at the site took place in June 1998 as parks officials laid out a blueprint for a 151-acre, year-round facility. Two years later, on June 6, 2000, officials returned to preside over Creekside’s grand opening.

In the fall of 2000, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chequeuk Lodge 55, approached the Valpo Parks Foundation about funding and creating a Service Memorial on park property. On Memorial Day, 2003, the Service Memorial at Veterans & Volunteers Plaza was dedicated at Foundation Meadows Park.

current board members