Valpo Parks has long been the heart of Valparaiso, offering over 750 acres and 22 facilities where residents can relax, play, and connect. Understanding that parks improve lives and drive an economy, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) has long worked with Valpo Parks to create the perfect partnership.
According to the VEDC, well-designed public spaces significantly enhance the city's attractiveness to businesses, talent, and residents – a philosophy that has guided their collaborative efforts with the Parks Department.
Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau agrees.
“The VEDC is supportive of any large project that the parks department is doing,” said Nuppnau. “They, and other like-minded partners, understand the economic and community impact that park projects have.”
A shining example of this partnership is Central Park Plaza.
“During the development of Central Park Plaza, the VEDC was right there, shoulder to shoulder with the team, supporting the project because it brought new vitality and vibrancy to the downtown,” said Nuppnau.
The plaza has become more than just a recreational space. It's a cornerstone of the VEDC's downtown revitalization initiative, attracting new businesses and spurring development in surrounding areas.
Similarly, the Flounders and Friends Skate Park on Calumet Avenue further demonstrates the strategic alignment between recreation and economic development.
“There's a lot of reasons why the skate park was important to us,” said Nuppnau. “It made sense from a Parks Department standpoint, but also from an economic development standpoint.”
While the Parks reviews projects from their viewpoint, the VEDC sees additional long-term advantages as well.
“Along with the VEDC, we hope that the Flounders and Friends Skate Park creates more vitality and additional growth on the Calumet Avenue corridor,” said Nuppnau.
The recently announced Valpo Parks "rePLAY" initiative represents the next chapter in this economic development success story. rePLAY is a $10 million investment that aligns perfectly with the VEDC's infrastructure improvement goals and quality-of-life enhancement strategies.
“rePLAY is a focus not on major projects but on enhancements and some additional amenities to our current parks,” said Nuppnau.
Ensuring that Valpo Parks contributes to the quality of life throughout Valparaiso, rePLAY is just what the VEDC stands for – making Valparaiso the perfect place.
“This is a large project, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to preserve and maintain our parks,” said Nuppnau.
This ambitious project will strengthen Valparaiso's position as a destination city where businesses and families can thrive, from modernizing legacy parks to creating innovative new spaces.
“Valpo Parks serves 2-year-olds all the way up to 99-year-olds and everybody in between,” said Nuppnau. “The whole purpose for the parks department is to create experiences and places for the community to enjoy.”
Community participation remains central to both organizations' missions. The Parks Department welcomes volunteers across numerous areas, complementing the VEDC's focus on community engagement and local entrepreneurship.
“As the community grows, we need to grow with the community,” said Nuppnau. “As the community diversifies, we will diversify in terms of the experiences that we have.”
The VEDC's strategic priorities include talent attraction and retention, goals directly supported by the Parks Department's commitment to excellence and responsiveness.
“Valpo Parks today will look very different in five years because the world will be different,” said Nuppnau. “We, like the VEDC, are here to serve the residents, and we do our best to listen and to adapt to the changing climate.”
The collaboration between the Valparaiso Parks Department and the VEDC exemplifies how thoughtful investment in public spaces yields tremendous economic dividends.
To learn more about the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, please visit valpoedc.com.
