The Mishawaka Parks Department is dedicated to creating unique and inclusive spaces within the community. With over 25 local parks, the City of Mishawaka is making significant strides in improving parks and recreational facilities, prioritizing accessibility, and inclusivity for people of all ages and abilities.
“Any time we do renovations, we lean on our neighborhoods to tell us what they want us to see in their parks,” said Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Superintendent Phil Blasko.
With over eight years of leadership, Blasko leads the department in focusing on innovative ways to engage the community, ensuring that everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy nature in the city.
“We try to break down all of the barriers possible to ensure everyone feels welcome,” said Blasko. “From wheelchair accessibility to programs for individuals with autism, our parks are designed for all ages and interests.”
The department is grateful to bring new projects to the new year. One standout update is at Battell Park, where a new playground is designed specifically for children under 8. This playground features accessible surfacing and lower structures, ensuring younger kids can play safely and comfortably.
“We wanted to make sure that we were intentional in having a space for the little ones to be able to go play,” said Blasko. “Even the monkey bars and swings are lower than your traditional parks. We want the little ones to have a space away from bigger kids and teens.”
In addition to these upgrades, the department continues its efforts to establish Miracle League Field. The project aims to renovate Normain Heights Park into an all-inclusive baseball field, which will allow children with disabilities to participate in organized sports. This project is made in partnership with private funding made through Miracle League, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Miracle Park will be an all-inclusive baseball field, which will allow kids in our area, for the first time, to be able to play an organized sport,” said Blasko. “The surfacing we are putting down will allow wheelchair accessibility. We are going to have a braille wall, and we will work with lots of different non-profits to ensure that we don’t miss the mark on including anyone with unique needs.”
Another exciting development is an ongoing, three-phase master plan for Rose Park. The second phase concludes this year, with a debut set for fall 2025. This phase introduces unique amenities, such as Belgian bowling, new pickleball courts, a dog run, a basketball court, and bocce ball. This marks the first significant upgrade to the park in over 50 years, alongside renovations at the adjacent George Wilson Park, which will add four custom-made slip and slides for summer.
“We are not afraid to throw things at the wall and see what sticks,” said Blasko. “We are always trying to find new ways to make sure we are relevant with our community.”
As winter continues, the department hosts seasonable events, like Winterfest and sessions at the Ironworks Ice Rink, located at the Riverwalk. The 2024 Winterfest featured a Christmas parade with Santa Claus, flame throwers, axe throwing, robots, performances, and a holiday market. It includes the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and numerous food trucks and vendors enhancing the festive atmosphere. Although the city’s first-ever drone show had to be rescheduled, its success ensures it will return this year. The Ironworks Ice Rink, now in its third season, expects around 25,000-26,000 visitors.
“The Ironworks Ice Rink is unique because we are intentional in making sure that everyone can enjoy the space, even those who can’t skate,” said Blasko. “We have ice bumper cars that allow people in wheelchairs, or those who may not be able to skate, to have fun on the ice. It is a great opportunity for families to come together and enjoy winter activities.”
Throughout the year, the Parks Department offers a variety of sports leagues and recreational activities for all ages. Seasonal events like the Fourth of July Celebration at Central Park ignite the community’s festive spirit. As Mishawaka focuses on enhancing the quality of life through parks and programming, all residents and visitors are invited to participate in upcoming events and recreational opportunities.
“We host over 50 events a year, including summer concerts and the Mishawaka Market to ensure that there is always something happening in our parks,” said Blasko. “We have music festivals and summer camps, and we have over 18 recreational leagues. We are continually trying to reinvent ourselves to make sure that our community knows and values everything that we do.”
For more information about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Mishawaka Parks Department’s website here.
