Board of Park Commissioners

Mr. Robert Henry
Dr. Thomas Kelly
Mr. Robert Goodrich
Mr. Garrett Mullins

South Bend Parks and Recreation Administration

Mayor
Stephen J. Luecke
Executive Director of Parks & Recreation
Phil St. Clair
Administrative Director,
Betsy Harriman
Recreation Director, Susan O'Conner
Director of Development, Richard Payton
Special Projects Coordinator, Matt Moyers
City Forester, Brent Thompson
Zoo Director, Terry DeRosa
Director of Golf, Randy Nowacki
Director of Marketing, Mark Bradley       


City Council
 Derek D. Dieter
Henry Davis
Thomas LaFountain
Oliver Davis
Ann Puzzello
Davud A. Varner
Timothy A. Rouse
Al “Buddy” Kirsits
Karen L. White
Council Information
National Recreation & Parks Association National Recreation and Park Association
OUR VISION & MISSION
 We Build Community Through
People, Parks & Programs.

- Provide recreational & leisure experiences
- Strengthen community image and sense of place
- Foster human development
- Forge community partnerships
- Increase cultural unity
- Promote health & wellness
- Strengthen the ethic of environmental stewardship
- Create a safer community
- Support and enhance economic progress
- Maintain, utilize and preserve the resources
entrusted to us for the public good

Multimedia Policy
On occasion, Parks & Recreation staff may take photos, video or other recordings of participants in our classes and programs, or people at special events or on park property. Please be aware that this multimedia is only for Parks & Recreation Department use and may be used in future print publications or on our website. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Non-Resident Fees
Because South Bend city residents support the Parks & Recreation Department through their property taxes, non-residents are able to contribute to the fi nancing of the department by paying slightly higher program fees. Special events and team tournaments may be exempt from this policy. Non-residents are those who live outside the city limits, have a fi ve-digit address and do not pay city taxes. If you have any questions regarding your residency status or this policy, please contact us.

Subsidized Rate Policy
The South Bend Parks & Recreation Department offers subsidized rates for school-age children who qualify for the South Bend School Corporation’s meal assistance program, or who currently receive a scholarship to attend the school in which they are enrolled. Application forms for all children’s programs, except Learn-to-Swim , may be picked up at the O’Brien Recreation Center.

From the Recreation Guide

Adult Programs River Walk
Aquatics Rum Village
Charles Black Center Parks
Howard Park Center
Facility Rental Skate Park
Fitness Center Special Events
Golf Tree Information
Ice Rink Potawatomi Zoo
M.L.King, Jr. Center Youth Programs

Maintenance Department
Forestry
Tree Trimming and Debris Removal

Registration Information
If you are interested in a class, avoid disappointment and sign up right away. Space is limited for most activities, and registration is first-come, fi rst-served. Also, most activities require that a minimum number of participants be signed up in order to hold the class. So, failure to sign up early may mean your class will be cancelled.

How to Register
Registrations can now be done two ways:
1) You can register in-person at our administrative offi ces, located at the O'Brien Recreation Center, 321 E. Walter Street. You can register during our main offi ce hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, or at the Fitness Center desk until 9:00 pm. Payment can be made by cash, check, Visa and MasterCard.
2) You can register online using your Visa or Master Card.

Cancellation Policy
A 50% refund will be given if a participant cancels their registration at least fi ve working days prior to the fi rst class. No refund will be allowed after this time. A full refund will be given if the Parks and Recreation Department cancels a class for any reason.

Inclement Weather Closing Policy
Any South Bend Parks & Recreation Department class or program that is held in a South Bend Community School Corporation facility will be cancelled when the South Bend Community School Corporation is closed due to inclement weather. In the event of inclement weather, cancellation of any South Bend Parks & Recreation Department classes or programs that are held in a South Bend Parks & Recreation facility will be determined on a case by case basis. In the event that a class or program is cancelled, television stations WNDU, WSJV, and WSBT, and local radio stations will be contacted.

ADA Compliance
The City of South Bend Parks & Recreation Department is constantly working to be in compliance with all ADA codes wherever possible. If you require special assistance in order to participate in any of our programs, please contact us. We will do our best to provide you with whatever assistance you need.