6 VALPARAISO FACT BOOK 2020
Valpo offers 17 parks for fun and relaxation Valparaiso has 17 parks and a golf course for fun, play and relaxation. The parks are 200 East, Banta Park, Berkley Park, Bicentennial Park, Central Park Plaza, Forest Park, Foundation Meadows and Butterfly Meadows, Glenrose Park, Jessee-Pifer Park, Kirchhoff Park, Ogden Gardens Park, Old Fairgrounds Park, Rogers-Lakewood Park, Tower Park, Valplayso, Westside Park and Will Park. A new dog park, 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,and a paw wash. The Forest Park Golf Course is described on the city’s web site as a “somewhat wide open traditional parkland front nine, and a very challenging back nine that has several elevation changes and relatively small greens, Forest Park awakes the senses and challenges your skills.” Ogden Gardens features a Japanese Garden, a gazebo,
trails, streams and a pond with koi. It is an oasis of beauty within the city where visitors can relax and enjoy the views in a relaxing stroll through the park. It is located at Campbell St. and Harrison Blvd., about 3/4 mile north of Lincolnway. Central Park Plaza is located in downtown Valparaiso and offers a skating rink in the winter and a splash pad in the summer. It also houses the Porter Health Amphitheater, the William E. Urschel Pavilion and a statue of the city’s famous popcorn maker, Orville Redenbacher. Valplayso is located on the south side of Glendale Blvd., east of Roosevelt Rd. It was designed and built in 1994 by the Valparaiso community in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation. Community participation was incorporated into all phases of the designing and building of Valplayso; more than 2,600 children and adult volunteers shared in the experience. Energetic foundation members and committed park staff coordinated the community project. Valplayso was updated on its 20th anniversary in 2014 with more fun for children to enjoy.
