MAYOR JAMES MUELLER
MAYOR JAMES MUELLER
VPA SENIOR STAFF
EXECUTIVE
CIVIC
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
ECOLOGICAL ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
MORRIS 100 COMMITTEE
VPA
VPA FOUNDATION MEMBERS
COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS
MORRIS 100 COMMITTEE
LETTER FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Living in South Bend, I carry a profound sense of responsibility to my community. Despite embarking on an unconventional path, I’m determined to effect positive change and enhance the lives of those around me. I’m thrilled to collaborate with the dedicated leaders and team at Venues, Parks & Arts to foster a culture of excellence, resilience, and equity that benefits all. Our collective commitment extends to upholding the core values of our city and expanding strategic initiatives for a brighter, more prosperous future. Though my journey here may have been unconventional, it has led me to this new beginning, filled with opportunity.
As we look back on the past year, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of our community members, partners, and stakeholders. Your trust and engagement empower us to push boundaries, explore new avenues for growth and impact, and make a difference.
We are excited about strengthening our bonds with the community and deepening our collective impact. Through innovative programs, inclusive events, and meaningful collaborations, we aim to create inclusive spaces and experiences that resonate with individuals of all backgrounds and ages.
One of our primary objectives for the coming year is to expand access to arts, culture, and recreation opportunities. Everyone in our community should
have the chance to participate and thrive, and we are committed to prioritizing equity and inclusion in everything we do.
We are also committed to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. We recognize the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by implementing green practices and initiatives. We hope to contribute to a healthier, more resilient community by doing so.
We anticipate the opportunity to earn your continued trust, foster collaborative partnerships, receive your generous philanthropic contributions, and welcome your invaluable volunteerism. Your unwavering support is the foundation we strive to enhance and extend our positive influence within our community and beyond. We look forward to the journey that 2024 holds with great eagerness and excitement and aim to make it an extraordinary year of success.
JORDAN V. GATHERS Interim Executive Director
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
POWERED BY:
124
FULL-TIME STAFF
180 PART-TIME STAFF
2,033 VOLUNTEERS
3 INTERNS
KEY FIGURES:
82,000+
PEOPLE ATTENDED OUR FREE EVENTS ACROSS ALL SIX DISTRICTS
$2,267,946 RAISED THROUGH GRANTS & PRIVATE DONATIONS
33% OPERATIONAL COST RECOVERY
RECOGNITIONS
IN UPHOLDING THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND VALUES, VENUES PARKS & ARTS STRIVES TO ENSURE EXCELLENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, INNOVATION, INCLUSION, & EMPOWERMENT IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - Music/ Concert Venue (Morris Performing Arts Center)
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - Wedding Venue (Palais Royale)
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - Live Theatre (Morris Performing Arts Center)
Jon Harrison Training completed across divisions
Tree City USA Award received by the Forestry Department
Tree City Growth Award received by the Forestry Department
Ivy Tech HVAC Certifications received by Facility & Grounds Team Members
BUDGET STEWARDED
Financial accountability has been the standard of South Bend Venues Parks & Arts. In conjunction with the City’s financial policies, we work proactively to utilize women and minority-owned businesses, we employ an equitable cost-recovery policy, and aim to control costs. The financial surplus this year represents encumbered capital expenditures and a replenishing of required operational reserves.
$12,437,304
$9,622,147
$10,733,834
$43,065,150 SOURCES OF FUNDS
$1,446,500
$135,000
$73,319,262
$371,103
IN Parks Department Levy
Earned Revenue (breakdown below)
Capital Bonds/Transfers
Donations/Grants
General Fund Subsidy
Hotel/Motel Tax
Other Revenue
$9,488,268 EARNED REVENUE
$2,032,709
$3,187,846
$936,075
$991,854
$1,810,000
$664,663
Golf
Century Center
Parking
Recreation & Events
Morris Performing Arts Center/Palais Royale Leases/Management Fees
$39,612,584 USES OF FUNDS
$9,488,268
$4,543,160
$4,103,653
$12,254,783
$2,335,069
$2,215,416
$1,413,985
$1,262,212
$996,038
Parks (Facilities & Grounds)
Recreation & Events
Century Center
Capital Projects
Debt Service
Golf
Morris Performing Arts Center/Palais Royale
Parking Management Fees
Skate it Forward: Morris 100 Campaign: Youth Scholarships: Volunteer Engagement: Development Dollars Raised: Community Outreach - Howard Park Ice Trail: 128 341 2,033 681 10,223 1,807 $325,091 $27,000,000 Number of Volunteers Families Supported Families Supported Partner Organizations Volunteer Hours
Development dollars raised: Individuals Impacted Individuals Impacted Donations Sponsorships Pledges for our capital campaigns (MLK Dream Center, Morris 100)
$2,267,945 Total Rasied Pledge Commitments Secured $17,020,878
Total Value Earned
2,150 43 Free Ice Skate Passes
Total Project Value With City Updates
2023 DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE AT THE CENTURY CENTER
VENUES ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - The Morris Performing Arts Center Wins Music/Concert Venue
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - The Morris Performing Arts Center Wins Live Theatre
2023 Community Choice Award Winner - Palais Royale Wins Wedding Venue
KEY METRICS:
451 EVENTS
227,033+ VISITORS
UPCOMING PROJECTS:
8.77M REVENUE
8,900+ STUDENTS ATTENDED FREE SHOWS
Dynamic building addition to the Morris Performing Arts Center, providing an extra 20,000 sq/ft of floor space for special events of all kinds, circulation, additional restrooms, storage, and theater support
Additional space and access to existing building facilitates support for the Equity in the Arts Program
Continued events and programs prioritizing equity and inclusion through the Equity in Arts Coordinator position
2023 KIDS TRIATHLON AT JOHN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Parks and recreation provides families and friends with areas to meet, offers spaces for improved physical and mental health, and presents opportunities for those of all ages to learn and flourish.”
This year, The Kids Triathlon welcomed over 200 youth triathletes engaging in a competition facilitating health and
SPECIAL EVENTS
OVERVIEW:
The special events team is the creative engine behind numerous engaging experiences that happen across South Bend throughout the year. When guests see the VPA brand attached to an event, they have come to expect a high level of detail and professionalism that creates memorable and exciting experiences for all to enjoy. Most notably, 2023 saw the return of the historic Ethnic Festival in Fusion Fest. This event welcomed over 35,000 guests and brought together the most important aspects of our community: the people and their rich lives, stories, and cultures.
KEY METRICS:
48
250+ COMMUNITY PARTNERS
FEATURED EVENTS:
2,500+ Daddy Daughter and Mom Son Dance Attendees
1,200+ Día de los Muertos, 2nd Annual Cultural Concert at the Morris*
2,850+ Summer Concert Series Attendees*
2,000+ Fridays by the Fountain Attendees across 13 concerts*
2,000+ Back to School Parade Attendees*
35,000+ Fusion Fest Attendees*
53 Local & Regional Food/Artisan Vendors & 54 Stage Performers Featured at Fusion Fest
*Asterisk used to indicate free events
2023 FUSION FEST AT HOWARD PARK
RECREATION, PROGRAMING & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
OVERVIEW:
In the heart of our department, the Programming, Recreation, and Community Initiatives teams converge to weave a tapestry of diverse programs and initiatives. The Programming Division sparks creativity, Recreation fosters vitality, and the Community Initiatives Team infuses purpose, crafting experiences that empower our community. Together, this collaboration is dedicated to inspiring personal and collective growth.
105,581 FITNESS MEMBERSHIP VISITS
22,044 BYERS SOFTBALL PARTICIPANTS
8,277 KENNEDY WATER PLAYGROUND VISITORS
3,000+ REAL SERVICES MEALS SERVED
10 SOUTH BEND ALIVE GRANTEES
SUMMARY:
Extensive Community Reach: Over 70,000 Participants have directly benefited from our diverse range of programs, initiatives, and activities, fostering widespread community engagement and participation.
Robust Network of Partnerships: Collaborating with 46+ community partners showcase our commitment to building meaningful relationships, amplifying our collective impact, and leveraging resources for the betterment of the community.
39,311 ICE SKATERS
9,744 RIDES DOWN THE EAST RACE WATERWAY
7,143 VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING ATTENDEES
4,126 YOUTH BASKETBALL PARTICIPANTS
1,000+ YOUTH CAMP ATTENDEES
Utilization of Community Spaces: With 42+ community spaces utilized, our programs extend beyond traditional settings, creating accessible and inclusive environments that cater to a broad audience across various neighborhoods.
Diverse Program Offerings: Offering 56+ programs reflect our dedication to catering to diverse interests and needs within the community, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to personal and communal development.
Catalyzing Positive Change: The cumulative impact of our programs extends beyond numbers, catalyzing positive change by enlightening minds, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals with the tools and experiences necessary for personal and collective growth.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DREAM CENTER
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Center construction is on track to finish by Spring of 2025.
GOLF
KEY METRICS: 7%
INCREASE IN GOLF MEMBERSHIP SALES
69,000+ ROUNDS OF GOLF PLAYED
73,000+ TOTAL VISITORS
330+ GOLFERS AT FREE EVENTS
COURSE IMPROVEMENTS: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
New Laminate Floors at Elbel Golf Shop
Painted Exterior at Maintenance Building at Elbel
40+ Golf Outings
Metro Tournaments 750 Rounds Played 3,000+ Kids Play Free Program (20% Increase) 847 Kids Play Free Memberships First Tee Program At Studebaker Golf Course PGA Junior League
Times with South Bend Community School Corp, South Bend Firefighters, and IHSAA Golf
FACILITIES & GROUNDS
384 PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS
3,353 TREES WATERED (312 PLANTED)
1,041
TREES TREATED (244 REMOVED)
UPDATES:
O’Brien Skate Park Shade Structure & LED Light Installation
. . MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP:
Boehm Park Baseball Diamond Dugout & LED Light installation
9,120
PROPERTIES MOWED
1,961
MOWING ABATEMENTS COMPLETED
700+ GRAFFITI REMOVALS
Charles Black Community Center Computer Lab Countertop Installation
Cameras and License Plate Readers Installed in Parking Garages . . .
Installation of Graphics and Wraps at Charles Black Community Center
2023 FUSION FEST AT HOWARD PARK
“
Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.”
JOSEPH CHILTON PEARCE
UZIMA! Drum and Dance Company engaging 2023 Fusion Fest guests in an interactive drum and dance demonstration.
IMPACT DRIVERS
SOCIAL EQUITY
Our commitment to social equity is evident through initiatives such as the Youth Scholarship Program and Skate-It-Forward, which have directly impacted 341 families and engaged 128 families and 681 individuals, respectively. The distribution of over 2,150 free ice skate passes to 43 partner organizations emphasizes our dedication to inclusivity, allowing families from diverse backgrounds to participate in recreational activities. Additionally, our Violence Prevention Programming reached 7,143 students, contributing to community safety, and supporting South Bend Alive Grantees further enhances local initiatives.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Venues Parks & Arts significantly contributes to community health and wellness with over 105,000 fitness center visits and a diverse range of classes offered. Ice skating at Howard Park Ice Trail & Pond attracted 39,311 participants, and active sports such as softball and basketball engaged 22,044 and 4,126 participants, respectively. Furthermore, the provision of over 3,000 meals by Real Services addressed nutritional needs, while the violence prevention programming supported the overall well-being of 7,143 students.
NEIGHBORHOOD & ECONOMIC IMPACT
Our impact on the neighborhood and economy is substantial, with cultural venues like the Morris Performing Arts Center attracting regional and national world-class performances. Softball participation, totaling 22,044, and 9,744 East Race rides contribute to community involvement and tourism, respectively. Neighborhood improvements include the Boehm Pickleball Court installation; basketball court improvements at Boland, Brownfield, Keller, St. Clair and Voorde Park; tennis court improvements at Boehm, Boland, Coquillard, Keller, and Voorde Park; and pickleball court improvements at Boehm, Boland, Coquillard, Keller, and Voorde Park. Having accessible, safe athletic courts in our neighborhood parks is an important part of building strong, lively communities, and our team is committed to investing in these spaces.
ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP
Staying engaged in ecological stewardship through various initiatives is an integral role of Venues Parks & Arts. This year, we conducted 384 playground inspections, watered/planted 3,353 trees, and treated/removed 1,041 trees, emphasizing our commitment to green spaces. Additionally, accolades like the Tree City USA and Growth Awards recognize our dedication to urban forestry, and our Ecological Advisory Committee (EAC) highlight our emphasis on sustainable practices. The EAC is dedicated to matters concerning the perpetuation of a healthy ecological system within the parks and public lands of South Bend. This year, they accomplished this objective by managing sensitive natural zones, removing invasive plant species on our river banks and Memorial Park, planting native plant species, and recommending changes that will positively impact our ecosystem. These recommendations resulted in LED light installations at O’Brien Skate Park and Boehm Park.
OVERALL IMPACT
The cumulative impact across social equity, health and wellness, neighborhood and economic impact, and ecological stewardship is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. We know that when our programs, events, initiatives, and public spaces and places accomplish all four of our impact divers we have fulfilled our mission to inspire a more livable South Bend for all, connecting us to engaging experiences and to one another and hit the “sweet spot”.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SOCIAL EQUITY
SWEET SPOT SPOT
ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP
NEIGHBORHOOD & ECONOMIC IMPACT
