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Home My WebLink About2024 - VPA Annual Report ANNUAL REPORT 2024 Filed in Clerk's Office MAY 0 1 2025 Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN CITY OF SOUTH BEND VENUES PARKS 6 ARTS 16VENUES PARKS&ARTS LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE A Message from the Interim Executive Director, Jordan V. Gathers: Living in South Bend, I carry a D I R E CTC R profound sense of responsibility to my community. Despite embarking on an unconventional path, I'm determined to effect positive change and enhance the lives of those around me. I'm thrilled to collaborate with the dedicated leaders and team at Venues, Parks & Arts to foster a culture of excellence, resilience, and equity that in benefits all. Our collective commitment 01) extends to upholding the core values of -- our city and expanding strategic 10 initiatives for a brighter, ,,,a more prosperous future. Though my journey here may have been \4: unconventional, it has led me to this new beginning, filled with opportunity. n IIInvoti.,rg VENUES PARKS S ARTS DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: POWERED BY: 114 150 2,843 55 Full Time Staff Part Time Staff Volunteers Interns KEY FIGURES: 28.6M Transforming Spaces, Elevating Experiences Overall Economic Impact In 2024, we continued our commitment to transforming public spaces and creating 92,060+ meaningful experiences for the community. Major People Attended Our Free Events renovations at the Morris Performing Arts Center Across All Six Districts are elevating South Bend's cultural landscape, while the new MLK Dream Center stands as a beacon of opportunity and engagement. Looking ahead to 2025, the Byers Softball Complex and 39.52% Kennedy Water Playground projects will further expand access to high-quality recreational spaces. Operational Cost Recovery Our parks and playgrounds have seen significant upgrades, ensuring safe, modern, and inclusive environments for all ages. Through innovative $4,765,701 programming, from youth mentorship initiatives to mobile recreation and community festivals, we Raised Through Donations, are fostering vibrant, engaging experiences that Sponsorships, And Pledges promote social equity, health, and neighborhood connectivity across South Bend. - 711111111111.11r 84. i s • ■ 1, lit ,eg g `\. __ " G El "i il C� • . ^ rza, r- I f.• , . if ._ ,,, , . ,., . . .... . . ..; ii.:1 ,.._ ...• ,.. ,...7 ._....._.... : . . ..41, . • . I, . . .,. ., ... kr, . .._. ,.. . ,4 , „ •.;‘,.. , s. . _;_it- 1 %ps xC �i�: j 4 ' 1 5. VENUES: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • South Bend Tribune Community Choice Awards — Morris was the recipient of Favorite Live Theater and Favorite Live Music/Concert Venue. Palais Ballroom was the recipient of Favorite Wedding Venue and a finalist for Places to Dance in South Bend. • The Morris is ranked #115 on the Pollstar 2024 Year End Worldwide Top 200 Theatre Gross Revenue. In the top 100 U.S.theatres,the Morris is#88. • The Morris is ranked #106 on the Pollstar 2024 Year End Worldwide Top 200 Theatres in Tickets Sold. In the top 100 U.S.theatres,the Morris is#79. • Morris - Michiana Builders Association (MACIAF) "Excellence in Construction Award" for "HVAC & Plumbing" category for the HVAC system upgrade. KEY METRICS: 426 314,898+ 8.77M 8,900+ Events Visitors Generated In Students Attended Revenue Free Shows UPCOMING PLANS: • Morris broke ground on the Raclin Murphy Encore Center in September 2024,with an estimated completion date in December 2025. • Palais Ballroom—the floor was sanded and refinished, in addition to paint and patch work that took place on the ceiling • The dishwashing room was renovated and upgraded with new steel framing in the walls, wallboard,and flooring. VENUES PARKS&ARTS GOLF KEY METRICS: 11% 77,000+ 75,000+ 450+ Increase In Golf Rounds Of Total Golfers at Free Membership Sales Paid Golf Visitors Events y� Ai JJes l'IY:-' —., P'-' -4;.'firie.•..,01,,'?.04:4 .. tak..' ,t.. . i ,• ., ', 1,401‘ f !/ : 1 ,TTT!'i, {577^�3 y . _ M COURSE IMPROVEMENTS: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: • New EZ-GO golf car fleet for both Erskine and Elbel • 980+Kids Play Free Memberships(16% Increase) • Added safety speed bumps around Elbel clubhouse • First Tee Program At Studebaker Golf Course • Upgraded Elbel driving range with new yardage signs • PGA Junior League and target flags • South Bend Community School Corp • Fixed/replaced long decaying stairwell leading to and • South Bend Firefighters from Erskine golf shop • IHSAA Golf Vi VENUES PARKS S ARTS EVENTS OVERVIEW: In the heart of our department, the Programming, Recreation, Facilities and Grounds, and Special Events teams unite to create a tapestry of community events. The Programming Division brings innovative ideas, the Recreation Division fosters active lifestyles, Facilities and Grounds transforms spaces, and the Special Events Team orchestrates grand moments. Together, they seamlessly blend their expertise to curate events that transcend mere occurrences, becoming powerful catalysts for unity within our community. This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to creating shared experiences, building connections, and weaving a vibrant tapestry that defines the spirit of our department. In inspiring a more livable South Bend for all, these emotionally engaging experiences connect us not only to our events but to one another, fostering a sense of community that is both enriching and enduring. KEY METRICS: 171+ 75,000+ 42 250+ Free Events In Attenance During Boomer Park Community Our Free Events Appearances Partners „ Nlik -. . Ir._ \ `�� MAJOR EVENTS: `' • Fusion Fest Had 35k+ - Attendees. 4. rr`r Fusion Fest Had 98 Food/ '' —^ • Artisan Vendors& 53 Stage . _ � ' I 7- Acts '% .�- ,� , _ . _ ' iii ,ram_ ,\ ,ari,p: as ,•.� ( '` `� 't „gip • Summer Concert Series �:� 4 r £, �,, ��" ter ��; Had 2,850+Attendees. • ►�.1'"" � ...r Ai`1-. ' =` , . _ Back To School Parde Had •._ > �.�. Over 2.000 Attendees - _ . R S PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES OVERVIEW: In the heart of our department, the Programming, Recreation, and Community Initiatives teams converge to weave a tapestry of diverse programs and initiatives. The Programming Division sparks creativity, Recreation fosters vitality, and the Community Initiatives Team infuses purpose, crafting experiences that enlighten and empower our community. Together, this collaborative force is dedicated to not only offering a spectrum of enriching activities but also inspiring personal and collective growth. As a result, our programs stand as transformative pillars, illuminating minds and uniting individuals in a shared journey toward a more enlightened and empowered community. KEY METRICS: 13,802 BYERS SOFTBALL PARTICIPANTS 30,979 ICE SKATERS REAL SERVICES MEALS 6,731 VIOLENCE PREVENTION 12,686 PROGRAMMING ATTENDEES 632 KIDS LEARNED TO SWIM 4,134 EAST RACE PASSES 267+ FITNESS CLASSES 4,126 YOUTH BASKETBALL PARTICIPANTS 11 SOUTH BEND ALIVE GRANTEES 1,000+ YOUTH CAMPERS ----- 4. 4.J g - i!� ,7i tea- F i 1 _.� n , ;. . _ e• ' :. ` J ice. 1,. V 1LAITH SIND VENUES PARKS 8 ARTS • FACILITIES & FACILITIES & PARK UPDATES: GROUNDS • O'Brien Skate Park (e.g., new installations, lighting upgrades). • Boehm Park upgrades (e.g., facility enhancements). MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP: • Other new features, structural changes, or renovations in parks, courts, or facilities. • Basketball Courts and MLK and O'Brien 432 Playground Inspections redone • Plaza Park Overlook on Pedestrian Bridge • Lighting upgrades along the downtown 6,303 Trees Watered/179 Planted Riverwalk • Randolph Park: New signage, benches, 1,041 Trees Treated/244 Removed lighting (to be completed end of month), drinking fountain 10,135 Properties Mowed AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS: • Forestry employees completed the TCIA tailgate safety program (100 on-the-job 1,713 Mowing Abatments Completed safety challenges with quiz) 775+ Graffiti Removals • Forestry had 306 total hours of training, including 64 ISA CEUs earned • Total Safety Training for Facilities and Grounds is 249.5 hours .•,',�, . riipr . h Y v tr, tic 4 . , ra i isott', 41 - al fk... ow. , . :6,„?.* 7 0 *.AV: t = kdif/ IF r _ .-.:4 ----- k*. "5- • k ;..; ..4,rrr. �; • i I 1 .SI VENUES PARRS S ARTS Development 4110 Youth 1,516 $54,500 Scholarships: individuals impacted Monies Av)araecl Skate it Forward: Families Supported Funds Raised 0 $ Development dollars raised: Development 4,765,701 • Donations • Sponsorships Dollars Raised: Total Rasied • Pledges for our capital campaigns Volunteer Engagement: Number of Volunteer Hours Volunteer Volunteers Opportunities 0 Community 64 500 Outreach: Partner Organizations Free Trees Given Funds Raised: Total Grants Awarded Youth Scholarships C TY Of,OUTN BIND VENUES PARKS S ARTS IMPACT DRIVERS Neighborhood & Economic Impact: Social Equity: Our facilities and programs serve as The venues, parks, and programs within our cornerstones of vibrant neighborhoods, community are designed to create offering gathering spaces where people connect, celebrate, and build lasting memories. welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds. By ensuring accessibility, By investing in infrastructure,enhancing green fostering inclusive programming, and spaces, and supporting local initiatives, we collaborating with diverse community contribute to the overall well-being of the organizations, we continue to break down community. Each project and partnership is barriers to participation. Whether through designed to strengthen the fabric of our free events, youth scholarships, or outreach neighborhoods, making them more inviting, initiatives,we strive to provide everyone safe, and enriched with opportunities for with the opportunity to engage in engagement. recreation, arts, and cultural experiences that enrich lives and bring people together. Ecological Stewardship: Sustainability remains a guiding principle in our approach to managing parks,venues, and events. From preserving natural habitats to Health & Wellness: implementing environmentally responsible Physical activity, mental well-being, and practices, we are dedicated to protecting and overall health are at the heart of our enhancing the ecosystems that support our programs and facilities.Whether through community. Through tree planting, outdoor recreation, structured fitness conservation efforts, and waste reduction initiatives, or community events that initiatives, we ensure that future generations promote healthy living, we provide spaces can enjoy cleaner, greener, and more resilient that encourage movement, relaxation, and public spaces. connection. Our commitment to wellness extends beyond physical activity, fostering Overall Impact: environments that support mental health, By hosting events, supporting local businesses, social interaction, and personal growth for and creating opportunities for employment, people of all ages. our programs and facilities serve as economic drivers within the community. Investments in recreational spaces, cultural programming, and public venues not only enhance quality of life but also contribute to the vitality of the local economy.Through strategic partnerships and community engagement,we continue to generate positive economic ripple effects that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I •..SOUTHB•.., 04 Z�.d•''t U d �,',\PEAC�, -_'> om!,1 /865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND VENUES PARKS 8 ARTS VENUES PARKS & ARTS INSPIRES A MORE LIVABLE SOUTH BEND FOR ALL. CONNECTING US TO EMOTIONALLY ENGAGING EXPERIENCES AND TO ONE ANOTHER. 219 S.St.Louis Blvd.South Bend,IN 46617 Phone:574-299-4765 sbvpa.org Connect With Us: @sbvpa n O ♦,,� GOLD ,...,, f�..., . oFe7' `'�N R PA 1 - . SATIOTAL REGISTER I A f.IPRI � ` oExlsroRlcn1ces �A ..u,,�y�, r 0 " ti-.....„„�� ' Morris PerforminyArrs Center 2022 South BendCityCemetery MEMBER