The wait is over, the new and improved Howard Park in South Bend is now open!
Nathan Jesse, Indiana Earth Operator, worked on the Howard Park reconstruction from start to finish and knows all the details inside and out.
“It cost $18 million to rebuild Howard Park,” Jesse explained.
Howard Park was a long and challenging process. Cutting into the winter months with this project was a hard task to work around. They faced lots of obstacles, such as frozen dirt, ice, and something as simple as snow.
“It took 14 months to complete from start to finish, and there were no injuries on the job. However, we did face some difficulties with the construction through winter, such as snow and freezing temperatures,” Jesse stated.
Howard Park is home to a new winding ice skating rink.
“Some of the unique features include the only ice trail that goes over a bridge which is the path to the playground,” Jesse relayed.
Although this park is known for being a popular spot in the winter months, it also includes activities to do in the summer.
“This space will be used in the summer months for things such as concerts, festivals and walking paths,” explained Jesse.
Howard Park is a great family-friendly park. It even has some great honorable things that are going to get added in the summer.
“Howard Park will be adding a Vietnam memorial and the workers memorial that will be added in the summer and being able to be viewed daily,” Jesse explained.
Howard Park is a very unique park and is truly an amazing addition to the city of South Bend.
Sophomore Evan Warner explained that his experience at Howard Park was full of fun and laughter.
“I went with a group of friends, and we kept falling all over the place,” Warner said.
Warner also explained some of his favorite features of the park.
“I enjoyed going on Friday, because every Friday it’s DJ night. The park is very clean and classy, which makes it more enjoyable,” Warner added.
Just like every park that opened in the South Bend area, there are some downfalls.
“The first day opening there were already lots of complaints about the playground,” Jesse stated.
The opening night of the park the city received some backlash, such as the steep hill is way to dangerous, the slides are extremely dangerous considering not following the rules children could have the possibility of getting severely injured because it’s a long fall.
The playground at Howard Park is an amazing addition to the park and allows it to attract all ages.
“The park was designed to be safe, even with the steep hill and high elevations. One of the amazing safety features is the ground of the playground, it’s super bouncy and soft,” Jesse stated.
Howard Park is a great place to visit with family and friends, Jesse and Warner added.
Howard Park is located in the heart of downtown South Bend. For any extra information,visit their website: https://visithowardpark.com/ice-skating/
Location: 219 S St Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN, 46617