12-13-2011 South Bend Park Department Recognized as Best in State

Home Browse Search

SOUTH BEND PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT October 27,2011 IPRA 2011 Awards Program OUTSTANDING AGENCY OF THE YEAR Name of Nominee: South Bend Parks and Recreation Department Statement: The South Bend Parks and Recreation Department has long been established as a key component to the quality of life in South Bend and has a rich and storied history. Howard Park, the first in the system, was developed in 1879 and set the standard for parks in the area. With the adoption by the South Bend Common Council of an ordinance In 1929, the South Bend Department of Public Parks was first formed, its powers and duties were defined, and a taxing district for park purposes under the first class cities legislation was established. Today's park system now includes Potawatomi Zoo, first established in 1902 and Indiana's oldest zoo, Leeper Park and George Kessler Boulevard, both designated as national treasures by the federal Historic Preservation Committee. Located on the historic east race site of the St. Joseph River is North America's first man made white water rapids course and the Belleville Softball Complex on the city's south side continues to host the finest calibre annual tournaments in the region. The inventory of park facilities includes a state of the art fitness center, a competition-designed concrete poured skate park, and Coveleski Stadium which houses South Bend's own minor league baseball team. The South Bend Parks and Recreation Department has earned and maintains C.A.P.R.A and A.Z.A. accreditations. it is celebrating Its le year as Tree City, U.S.A. and it consistently receives awards for excellence in programming, development and operations from both state and national peer and professional organizations. Some highlights of the 2011 year so far include: