I hope you and your family have enjoyed all that Valparaiso has had to offer this summer. No doubt that new memories were made, possibly new traditions started and of course, a whole lot of fun was had. A new season is upon us as school has arrived and the fall weather is just around the corner. However, there is still time to enjoy the outdoor beauty that Valparaiso has to offer, including our brand new Central Park Plaza!
 
Located at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Lafayette Street, this new park features many year-round activities for residents and visitors of all ages, including summer evening movies, fall concerts, and a number of special events. This is truly a park we can call our own, since the majority of the park was designed based upon input from Valparaiso residents.
 
When finished, our new park will include an interactive water feature in front of the stage area, a brick plaza, walkways, community comfort station (restrooms), outdoor cinema facility, beautifully landscaped seating areas, and a wireless hot spot for computer users.
 
Spend your Saturday relaxing at the park or surf the web on your lunch break! This park has something for everyone. So, come on out for a stroll around downtown this autumn season and be sure to stop by our new Central Park. We’ll see you there!

John Seibert

Spring is almost here! Soon, birds will be singing, flowers will be blooming, and the sun will be warm and inviting! What a great time to start thinking about getting outside and making the most of the alluring springtime season.

See what’s new at the Parks. This year, we’ve added some energetic, get-you-up-and-moving sports guaranteed to be a blast, while providing stress relief and exercise too. Check out Your Parks magazine or go online for more details about Adult Co-Ed Kickball, Adult Co-Ed Soccer, Fall Men's and Women’s Softball, Flag Football, and Lacrosse.

Go to our web site. There are many new and exciting things to see online at our website. Since it’s our goal to provide you with the latest, up-to-date information of all the happenings within the Parks Department – from new programs to sports registration deadlines, we’re now offering innovative ways to make that happen.

• RSS Feed – By subscribing, you’ll be notified via email of the latest Park announcements, schedule changes, press releases, and highlights. (Sign up online)
• Text Messages – You’ll automatically receive a text message regarding any schedule changes that would affect you. Never show up for a cancelled practice again! (Sign up online)
• Facebook – Become a fan of the new Valparaiso Parks Department Facebook page and receive updated information on the Parks.
• Director’s Blog – Bookmark the Director's Blog and continue getting insight directly from us about how the Parks will be working to create a better “Parks” experience in the upcoming year.

Also, don’t forget to visit the new Play Pointers, which are fun tips on new ways (and old ways revisited!) for everyone to play at the park – from preschoolers through adult.

Use the Parks Your Way! Don’t forget to take a few moments to create your profile on our website. It’s an excellent way to learn about Park programs, sports, and hobbies that reflect you (and your family’s) interests. And by setting up your profile, you’ll receive customized emailed newsletters, highlighting activities for you and your family.

We’re striving to make this a phenomenal year at the Parks Department. From toddlers to adults, the Parks offer something for everyone. We want this to be our best year yet, giving everyone a better Parks experience.

Take advantage of Valparaiso's newest “community” and what the Parks has to offer today. So get off of your computer for a bit, get outside, and get involved. We can’t wait to see you there!

John Seibert