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Parks Committee highlights 2025 turnout and lists multiple 2026 projects including Potawatomi Phase 2 and Kennedy Park groundbreaking

South Bend Common Council · February 24, 2026

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Summary

The Parks Committee reviewed its 2025 annual report, citing large public events and participation figures, and previewed many 2026 projects — including Potawatomi Park Phase 2, Kennedy Park groundbreaking and the Leiper Tennis Center completion — with executive director Jordan Gathers set to present to the full council in the next 30–60 days.

Chair McBride opened the Parks Committee meeting with the department’s 2025 annual report and a preview of 2026 priorities.

Chair McBride said the department hosted large, citywide events in 2025 — citing more than 75,000 attendees at Fusion Fest and more than 12,000 at the July 4 celebration — and noted program outcomes including 1,000 children learning to swim, 3,000 youth participating in sports camps and 200 youth engaged in equity and arts programs. She listed completed projects (Potawatomi Park Phase 1, the MLK Dream Center, and Erskine Golf Course’s centennial) and several projects planned for 2026: the Leiper Tennis Center completion, Kennedy Park groundbreaking, Potawatomi Park Phase 2, a Rum Village master plan, and a new Byers softball complex and Clair Park improvements.

Chair McBride said she had spoken with Executive Director Jordan Gathers, who will present an update to the full council within the next 30 to 60 days. Committee members welcomed new appointees and expressed readiness to work through the department’s 2026 priorities. The committee adjourned after the review.