SPARK Magazine | Issue 7 | Fall/Winter

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YOU ARE SO MUCH STRONGER THAN YOU THINK Over 50 FREE Unlimited Fitness Classes Weekly Including Reebok’s Les Mills Signature Classes!

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321 E Walter St, South Bend, IN 46614 For more information call 574-299-3482 or go to sbvpa.org/fitness

ISSUE 7: FALL ‘20/WINTER ‘21

IN THIS ISSUE 2

On the Cover

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Letter from Spark

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Chill Out

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Into the Woods

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Park People

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New Traditions

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Welcome Back Winter

A group of elementary school kids enjoy the Howard Park Ice Trail during a STEM field trip.

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ON THE COVER ISSUE 7 Rolando “Flaco” DeLeon and employee Parker spend the beginning of their Thursday morning painting a garage back to white after it was tagged in an alleyway on the North West side of South Bend.

The Graffiti Abatement program—a joint task force consisting of the South Bend Police, Code Enforcement and Venues Parks & Arts—was formed to prevent and control the spread of graffiti. Through these combined efforts of city departments, volunteer groups and proactive residents, South Bend will remain a beautiful city.

LETTER FROM SPARK A cool chill is in the air! Are you ready to celebrate this next season with me? I sure have missed fluttering around our beautiful city with all of you.

These past few months have been tough for all of us, but what I’ve come to realize is how many opportunities we have to get outside and explore new places. Since I couldn’t spend time with my friends, I found new ways to have fun. South Bend has so many great spaces to use our imagination!

Take a hike in Rum Village this fall or bring your bike to the mountain biking trails. Check out the zip line at Brownfield Park. Cross-country ski at Elbel Golf Course. Head over to page 24 and we’ll share more of our favorite things to do this season. What a great opportunity we have to get back to our roots and experience everything nature can offer us.

I hope to see you soon!

Spark

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MAYOR OF SOUTH BEND James Mueller BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS President Mark Neal Vice President Consuella Hopkins Members Aimee Buccellato Dan Farrell VENUES PARKS & ARTS SENIOR STAFF Executive Director Aaron Perri Chief Development Officer Annie Smith Executive Director of Venues Jeff Jarnecke Director of Facilities & Grounds John Martinez Director of Recreation Jonathan Jones SPARK MAGAZINE TEAM Managing Editors Eva Ennis Jessica Spoor Matt Frazier Magazine Design Matt Frazier The new playground at Howard Park is a favorite place to enjoy all year.

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M I ND FU L B REATH IN G

Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Be sure your surroundings are quiet. Notice your breath, in and out. Are they shallow or deep, quick or slow? Now as you inhale, inflate your abdomen like a balloon. Exhale as if the air from that balloon is escaping slowly. Set a timer for three minutes and melt away without the worries of the world on your shoulders.

M ED I TAT ION

Meditation is a practice of learning how to live in the present moment, anchoring ourselves to the here and now on purpose. It can provide some much-needed space in our minds, allowing for more capacity for loves ones, decision making processes and clearer feelings.

1. Set a timer. It can be as short as five minutes.

2. Notice your body. Sit however you feel comfortable.

3. Follow the natural rise and fall of your breath.

4. Notice when your mind wanders and don’t judge your thoughts during this time.

5. When you’re ready, lift your gaze and notice your environment. How does your body feel? What emotions are you feeling?

YO GA

You don’t have to be an advanced yogi to enjoy the benefits of yoga.

Simple techniques can help loosen stressed muscles, reenergizing, rejuvenating and restoring those muscles.

1. Reverse Triangle (Parivritta trikonasana): This action circulates fresh blood and strengthens neck, shoulders and arms.

2. Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana): A powerful pose that awakens upper body strength and offers a wonderful stretch for the chest and abdomen. The backbend energizes and rejuvenates the body, providing relief from fatigue and mild depression.

3. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): A deep stretch that can provide relief from headaches, insomnia, fatigue and mild depression. The flow of blood to the brain can also calm the nervous system, improving memory and concentration and relieving stress.

4. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III): This pose enhances the ability to concentrate, keeping your mind calm and focused when faced with difficulty. It also improves balance, posture and full-body coordination.

5. Corpse Pose (Savasana): This pose is essential to practice at the end of a yoga sequence. It rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit while reducing stress and tension.

Mindful breathing, meditation and yoga are all practices you can do anywhere, and South Bend has an array of parks and places perfect to find your inner zen. For a full list of yoga and meditation classes coming up, visit sbvpa.org.

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INTO THE WOODS Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when our access to so many places has been limited, the ability to go outdoors and enjoy nature has been highly valuable.

PARKS AND TRAILS HAVE BECOME PLACES OF REFUGE FOR THOSE NEEDING A BREAK FROM THE STRESSES AND MONOTONY OF BEING IN ONE PLACE DAY AFTER DAY. As we continue to limit our interactions with large groups of people in the upcoming seasons, going outdoors might seem less feasible as the weather gets cooler; but with the right preparation, we should enjoy nature any time of year. Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors this fall and winter.

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E L B E L PA R K G O L F C O U R S E

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PREPARATION Whether there’s snow on the ground of not, South Bend winters can get brutally cold. A winter coat is just the start of the cold weather gear you should be wearing before heading out into the great outdoors. All the essentials, including warm socks and insulated pants, will ensure your time outdoors is enjoyable! Handwarmer packets are an easy way to extend how long hands and feet stay warm. Throw a few packets in everyone’s boots and pockets on those extra cold days.

ACTIVITIES Hiking – Venues Parks & Arts is committed to keeping trails accessible all year long, clearing snow regularly from all of our trails throughout the city. Trails with great winter views include LaSalle Park, Gov. Kernan Trail, Riverside Trail and Rum Village.

Mountain Biking – Biking is something to be enjoyed all-year. While serious mountain bikers can invest in different snow-friendly gear like fat tire bikes, the city trails can be enjoyed with your regular biking equipment throughout the seasons.

Cross Country Skiing and Sledding – When the snow falls, a whole new slew of winter activities are available. Elbel and Erskine Golf Courses are known for their open spaces and hilly landscapes making great locations for cross country skiing and sledding.

ADDED BENEFITS Ample research has shown that being outdoors supports improved mental health. Exposure to nature, even in small amounts, has shown to reduce stress and other negative brain activities. Being outside in colder weather is no different and even presents its own additional benefits. Colder temperatures are shown to increase your resting metabolism and is important for helping your body produce vitamin D during a season with shorter daylight hours.

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Holiday Greetings!

Printable version also available for download at visithowardpark.com/holiday

A New Holiday Tradition Coming To Howard Park This Winter...

THURSDAYS – SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER 3-5 | 10-12 | 17-19

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Color and send your own 5”x7” folded greeting! Card will fit in most A7 envelopes.

front

Or bring your finished card to the Market and we’ll mail it for you!

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CREATED IN SOUTH BEND ESPECIALLY FOR YOU BY:

Sending you warm wishes!

Holiday Greetings!

Printable version also available for download at visithowardpark.com/holiday

Color and send your own 5”x7” folded greeting! Card will fit in most A7 envelopes.

Or bring your finished card to the Market and we’ll mail it for you!

A New Holiday Tradition Coming To Howard Park This Winter...

THURSDAYS – SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER 3-5 | 10-12 | 17-19

ISSUE 7: FALL ‘20/WINTER ‘21

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inside

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Rolando “Flaco” DeLeon stands in front of a tagged building in South Bend.

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Park People story by JESSICA SPOOR

As many Americans secluded themselves to their homes amid this historic worldwide pandemic, many have continued to set their alarms and head off to work.

Celebrated essential workers have been the frontline faces as hospital workers, grocery clerks and daycare teachers; however, the invisible essential worker has risen to the surface.

You’ve most likely never seen them in their element, quickly and quietly removing graffiti from the side of a building, cleaning trash from each of our parks and clearing limbs from a storm that furiously swept through.

Just as they had done before, these invisible essential workers continue to take care of our parks and public spaces.

I met with a few of our own as they continue to create a sense of beauty in our shared spaces. Physically distant, of course.

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Kat Ryan

GROU N D S TE A M L EA DE R AT H OWA RD PAR K Since its big grand opening celebration back in November 2019, Howard Park has seen a resurgence of eager park-goers experiencing the brand-new playground, water feature and walkable trails. But outside of the common attractions lays a beautiful array of natural bioswales, beds of flowers and wellmanicured planters.

The past week prior to sitting down together, the weather hit close to record highs in the upper 90s.

For most, it was almost unbearable to be too far away from any source of cool air. KAT RYAN, Grounds Team leader at Howard Park, doesn’t seem phased by the intense heat and humidity, bopping along pruning flowers and admiring the bees buzzing around her.

“Don’t worry, this one doesn’t have a stinger,” she said, smiling, as I slowly back away. She turns back to pruning the lavender and it’s obvious Ryan really is in her element. She exhales. “This really is the dream.”

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Ryan began working for Venues Parks & Arts over a year ago as a gardener with the horticulturist, but her eyes were on the new Howard Park, with a vision to create beauty—and sustainability—throughout.

“I try new things all the time. Right now, I’m taking the seeds of this plant,” She said, pointing to a beautiful pink flower—what I later learn is Echinacea, “…and replanting them in the bioswale area. They’re pollinators for the bees, and they’re really important, ya know?” It’s only one of the many aspects of the job that Ryan takes to heart, where many people wouldn’t think to notice.

Ryan is always visible somewhere in the park, tending to a flower bed or stopping to chat with a park “regular”, both equally important to the Venues Parks & Arts mission. “I have one lady who comes out every morning to read,” she said. “She sits and reads a bit, and then gets up and moves to a new spot…I love talking with our visitors.”

Regardless of what the job title may suggest, this passionate gardener and self-proclaimed Monarch mom has a constant smile on her face and dirt under her nails.

“It’s my passion,” she said. “These plants are my babies and I work really hard to take care of them.”

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Tim Badders & Anthony Grundy

TREE CREW WITH THE FORESTRY DEPARTMENT The Forestry team within Venues Parks & Arts is a highly visible department among our city, once you see them pull up. The team of six operates some heavy equipment including bucket trucks reaching high above the treetops. As I near their worksite, I can hear the wood chipper truck from around the corner chewing the logs into mulch with ease. Despite the size of their trucks, the team moves in and out of parks and neighborhoods seamlessly throughout any given day, watering, trimming, planting and removing trees. Just as Ryan had the ability to not be defined by the weather extremes, this crew doesn’t either.

TIM BADDERS—one of two Group Leader Arborists within the Forestry team—isn’t fazed by a worldwide pandemic or even today’s blazing afternoon sun. It’s baking my shoulders as I stand watching him work, jumping into the bucket and heading into the sky. He’s just happy to do the job. “I love working, regardless,” he said. “Pandemic or not, I’d rather be out here doing this.”

The more people who seem to be home during this time has led to a bigger audience watching the chip truck eat away large tree trunks and the bucket hanging 75 feet in the air. “There’s always an audience, people waving from their porches,” he said. “People enjoy seeing what we do.”

It’s true. I’ve worked for VPA for almost 5 years, and it never gets old watching this team effortlessly take down limbs or remove a tree. Today, Badders is removing dead limbs from the large Cottonwood tree hanging across the St. Joseph River without a second thought.

It’s one of the most dangerous jobs in any industry, but the passion for the job outweighs the dangers. “I always give it my all and do the best job I can do for the city.”

I back up noticing the tree limb from 75 feet up cracking, ready to fall succinctly to the ground below. The others are already aware, moving in unison, ready.

“We have a veteran group of guys, so there’s no job we can’t do,” said arborist, ANTHONY GRUNDY. “It’s dangerous work from time to time and knowing the person next to you like I do, we’re like a well-oiled machine.”

Nearly a week later, they’d be seen around the city clearing storm debris that had swept through the West side. Their work is never-ending and it’s clear to me how incredibly important they are to our city. “Essential worker is just a new title, but this job and what we do has always been essential to me,” Grundy said.

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Rolando “Flaco” DeLeon

Department of Community Investment and Code Enforcement along with Venues Parks & Arts. Since then, he’s seen his fair share of tagging.

On any given day, Rolando—or FLACO, as most people know him—can be seen all around the city, inspecting streets and alleyways for graffiti. The Superintendent has the daunting task which can take days, but Flaco doesn’t mind. “I enjoy working outside and having the challenge of removing graffiti and cutting down the tall grass at vacant lots around the city,” he said.

“Beautifying the city has a nice feeling to it, like painting a wall and taking pride on that work after it’s finished,” he said. “Same with mowing a vacant lot or covering up profanity.”

GR A FFI T I R EM OVA L A N D C EN T RA L M OWING

I’ve only formally met Flaco once but have known about him since I started working with VPA. Everyone knows Flaco as a quiet guy, someone who takes the job on with the fullest amount of pride for his city and its residents.

He’s not one to look for recognition or applause, yet the work he does is worthy of such.

Although he also oversees a large mowing crew who maintains vacant lots throughout the city, he only has a team of one part-timer who works directly with graffiti removal, which can make it challenging at times. The initiative began in 2011, a joint effort with the city’s

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With school still not physically in session, boredom can be seen from the empty spray paint cans, scattered. “Most likely this will be done again in the next two days,” he said. He’s covering a garage with white paint in an alleyway that was recently tagged by kids. He shares that these kids are only 10 or 11 years old. “It’s sad. I’ve seen them before, tagging this exact spot.”

Most of the graffiti removals cover up foul language like the one I’m at today, but there are moments when he sees a graffiti that’s done as works of art. Is it hard to cover up something that’s beautiful? “Those I may leave up for a few days before we come out and cover it up,” he said, smiling.

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ISSUE 7: FALL ‘20/WINTER ‘21

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NEW TRADITIONS In the strange new landscape of our world, more and more are rethinking how social interactions happen whether it’s going to work, out shopping or even for a walk outside. As a result, many engaged couples are having to scale back and consider alternative options. With some creativity and flexibility, there are still ways for people to connect and celebrate special moments.

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GET OUTSIDE

The great outdoors not only provide a beautiful backdrop for a special event, but also more space to spread out with better air circulation. South Bend has several parks that are truly special spaces for events and weddings that you may have never considered.

Leeper Park is known for the stunningly renovated Studebaker Fountain. This historic gem would make a memorable backdrop to your special occasion. The Ziegler Amphitheatre is also a great spot for an intimate wedding ceremony with a small stage and seating built in.

Several parks in South Bend have outdoor pavilions that are rentable throughout the year. When temperatures are milder, a pavilion is a perfect spot to host a gathering that is outdoors. Additionally, pavilions at Potawatomi Park, Rum Village, O’Brien Park and the Jon Hunt Plaza are all options for those looking outdoors.

SMALLER GUEST LIST & THOUGHTFUL LAYOUTS

Limitations during this COVID era provide a unique opportunity to create more intimate gatherings with those closest to us. Traditional event venues like Century Center, Palais Royale, Morris Performing Arts Center and Howard Park Event Center continue to remain open and available, but at reduced capacity.

Event specialists at each of the venues are able to help create layouts that keep people at appropriate distances.

While it might be obvious that seating should be spread out, other aspects of the event can also be adjusted to keep interactions among guests minimal. Consider locating dance floors throughout the room instead of all in one place; food can be boxed individually and kept at each seat; and entertainment can be located centrally in the room so it’s visible from all over instead of just one area near a stage. There are many ways to create a safe and fun environment for everyone attending.

LIVE STREAM

Some situations call for people to not be in person at an event, but we’ve seen over the last several months how possible it is to participate in gatherings virtually and still have meaningful experiences. All of our indoor venues and some of the outdoor parks in South Bend offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi which makes connecting for live streaming purposes easy and accessible to all.

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WELCOM E BACK

Winter

Our homes aren’t just homes anymore. They’re hosts to date nights on the couch, Zoom meetings from the dining room and classrooms from the kitchen counters. Toss that with the thick of winter when dark, dreary days seem to never end…and you’ve got a recipe for pent up energy!

To get you and your family up and out of your mundane routine, we’ve created a list of safe-space options.

So, turn off the TV and see what all South Bend has to offer!

E L B E L PA R K G O L F C O U R S E

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HOLIDAY CARDS Tis the season of gratitude….and holiday cards so grab the box of crayons and make your own. To help get you started, we’ve got a South Bend themed printable card on page 11 or at sbvpa.org/holidaycards.

ICE SKATING Howard Park ice skating may look slightly different this year, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t lace up those skates and make some memories with us. Schedule your visit at: visithowardpark.com/iceskating.

HOWARD HOLIDAY MARKET Howard Park is now home to your newest holiday tradition, the Howard Holiday Market. Let holiday music serenade you as you stroll through the market of local vendors, delicious food and specialty crafted brews.

BUNDLE UP Do you want to build a snowman?

Bundle up and head outside. Up the ante and make it a contest to see who can make the biggest snowman! Winner gets first dibs on the hot cocoa…

SLEDDING It may be on our list every year, but there’s a reason why we love sledding as a winter family tradition. Ditch the couch and head over to your favorite neighborhood park.

Chances are it has a great hill made for sledding!

HOT COCOA Speaking of hot cocoa, forget the Swiss Miss packets and try a homemade recipe.

This one is sure to knock your socks off. But you may want to put them back on because BRRR! It’s cold out there. sbvpa.org/hotcocoa

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Pump up your heartbeat and take in the fresh winter air while cross country skiing.

Did you know we have a few parks suited for a good ski experience? With beautiful views and great trails, Erskine Park Golf Course and Pinhook Park are both great locations to check out this season.

SCAVENGER HUNT Cabin fever hit your house? Make a trip to Rum Village Park for a wintery scavenger hunt with the kids! There are many unique animals who call this park home...See if you can sneak a peak at a few of them in their natural habitat. Print out a list for your next adventure at sbvpa.org/scavengerhunt.

SUPPORT ONE OF OUR PARTNERS AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER! The Potawatomi Zoo, Studebaker Museum, South Bend Cubs, Museum of Art and Potawatomi Conservatory all typically host events during the winter months. Check out their websites to learn more about their offerings this season.

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A group of elementary school kids learn about ice skating operations during a STEM field trip.

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Park-goers return their ice skates after an evening of fun on the ice.

Furry friends love playing in the snow at Rum Village Dog Park.

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The Smash Kings performed during the Grand Opening celebration at Howard Park.

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Instructor Jess leads a cardio fitness class at O’Brien Fitness Center.

The VPA Youth Basketball league is a popular activity during the winter months.

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A New Holiday Tradition Coming To Howard Park This Winter...

THURSDAYS – SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER 3-5 | 10-12 | 17-19

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