The Valpo Parks Department, aligned with city officials, including Mayor Jon Costas and new council representatives, now finished with their first elected year in office, have announced $10 million in planned renovations and upgrades to the city’s existing park system. What was once the primary focus on a 248-acre new park sports complex has now transitioned to other private development possibilities.
Branded as the “rePLAY” initiative and billed as a campaign “to enhance and upgrade
10 existing parks in 2025,” this marks a dramatic shift from the city’s previous parks landscape priority in 2022 and 2023 under Mayor Matt Murphy’s leadership. Murphy and previous Valparaiso Parks Department Executive Director John Seibert, with partial backing from City Council representation, led an ambitious plan for a $30 million sports complex on 248 acres of farm ground located east of Indiana 49, extending from Vale Park Road north to County Road 500 North.
Bids were accepted for the sports complex project in July 2023 and a number of public forums were held to gain input and address concerns for the proposed destination which would include seven sports fields, walking paths, wooded trails, shelters, concession structures and the future option for possible indoor facilities.
Some criticized Mayor Murphy, City Council members and parks department officials for using the majority of $7.6 million in ARPA funds, roughly $6.5 million, to allocate to park projects, such as the planned sports complex.
In August 2023, Mayor Murphy announced the sports complex “would be put on hold” after bid proposals came in much higher than anticipated.
“When bid proposals were recently received and reviewed, the estimated cost to build the campus exceeded all prior reasonable estimates,” Murphy said in an announced update in August 2023.
“What began as an ambitious, but attainable, $30 million project inflated to exceed $37 million. Unfortunately, Valparaiso is not the only community in the region to experience projects significantly surpassing estimates.”
Mayor Costas and Kevin Nuppnau, who succeeded Seibert as parks director in April 2023, said they are united and optimistic about the shift in park plans to improve the existing recreation spaces in Valparaiso.
“When I was reelected, I felt that the proposed sports park was not the highest and best use for the land for our park and recreational needs, and we decided to move in a different direction,” Costas said.
Costas said in March 2024, the Valpo Redevelopment Commission committed to exploring other public and private development opportunities for 248 acres of property.
“The commission’s decision to hold on to the property was fueled, in part, by the fact the commission pledged TIF revenues to cover annual lease rental bond payments, which were sold to pay a portion of the new park construction costs,” Costas said.
“The city and RDC are prudently exploring alternative developments that will generate new property tax revenues. At the December 2024 Redevelopment Commission meeting, the commissioners authorized the public offering for the property to find out what the market might bear for this property in terms of development ideas and price,” Costas said.
“One submission was received. The proposal from Agincourt Investments LLC, represented by Todd Leeth, was presented at the January 2025 RDC meeting. The commission approved an option agreement, which essentially outlines the next steps to allow both the developer and commission to complete certain due diligent tasks before selling the property. I cannot get into the specifics of the end use yet because of non-disclosure agreements. What I can share is from the proposal response and option.”
Flounder & Friends skatepark at Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso celebrates its grand opening on Thursday, November 9, 2023, one of the new additions to the Valpo Parks system. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)
Costas explained the project proposal “conceptualizes a four-building, non-residential, campus development with preliminary site plans and descriptions of the building indicating each building to be two stories with a 157,000-square-foot floorplan.”
“Based on expectation from this type of investment, there would be substantial jobs from construction and some level of high-paying jobs that are permanent,” Costas said.
“Additionally, the level of investment would result in a sizable increase in assessed valuation and diversification of tax basis. The proposal is for 180.9 acres south of the gas transmission line, which leaves approximately 67 acres of land with the commission for future development. Arguably the remaining land is of greater value given visibility and access from both 500 N and Memorial Parkway. The Commission retains additional property for future development opportunities or other public uses that may come along.“
Costas said the option agreement provides 180 days for due diligence with up to four 30-day extension options. During this time, both parties assess the viability of the project and work through preclosing conditions:
• Acceptable real estate purchase agreement by RDC.
• Acceptable economic development agreement, which will solidify specifics of the project, jobs, investment, incentives, etc. The EDA will need approval from the RDC. Depending on the incentives negotiated, the City Council and or other commissions may require other public approvals.
• Acceptable placement of any public walking paths and public space within the 180-acre parcel. Although specific details will need to be worked out during a due diligence period, areas within the 180-acre parcel could be preserved through permeant easements as an example for public recreation and use. This will most likely require Park Board and or Board of Works approval with acceptable consideration of future water production wells which will require Valparaiso City Utilities Board approval.
“Over the past decade, it’s been rewarding to add offerings like the Flounder and Friends
Skatepark, Creekside Trails, ValPAWraiso Dog Park and more,” Costas said.
“But we’ve never lost sight of the timeless parks we grew up loving. The rePLAY initiative ensures
our existing parks remain cherished gathering places for generations to come.”
Nuppnau said the rePLAY initiative will prioritize enhancing patron accessibility, addressing infrastructure needs, implementing safety measures and investing in sustainability practices. He said improvements will encompass a wide range of enhancements, including upgraded playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, sports fields, and pickleball courts “with an inclusive park
experience for all.”
Assistant Director of Valparaiso Parks Kevin Nuppnau, points out features on a diagram of the Valparaiso Sports and Recreation Center for visitors during an open house on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Parks department and city officials put the project on hold and are reinvesting in existing parks. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune)
Parks included in the rePLAY initiative are Kirchhoff Park, Fairgrounds Park, Tower Park,
ValPlayso, Foundation Meadows Park, Rogers Lakewood Park, Ogden Botanical Gardens,
Glenrose South Park, Will Park and Banta Park.
“The rePLAY initiative is a direct result of ongoing public input and our comprehensive Parks Master Plan,” Nuppnau said.
“This initiative will not only improve our existing parks but also ensure they continue to serve as vital community gathering places.”
Nuppnau said the rePLAY initiative will be funded using bond proceeds originally earmarked for the proposed sports park, putting them to immediate use for long-term benefits.
Park renovations and construction are expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with projects completed by the end of the year. To learn more about the rePLAY initiative and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit https://valpoparks.org/709/Parks-rePLAY
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
