All Stories
VPA Welcomes You to 2019
With everything we do, we keep in mind our mission to inspire a more livable South Bend for all, connecting us to emotionally engaging experiences and each other.
Sam Centellas: Journey to Health
Sam Centellas: Journey to Health Meet Sam Centellas. You might know him as the Executive Director of La Casa de Amistad, a community center on the Westside of South Bend, you might recognize him as one of the key coordinators of Westside Wednesday, or perhaps you may have seen this early morning gym-goer at O’Brien Fitness […]
Best. Week. Ever.
2017 was full of exciting changes for our community, including the addition of the 1st Annual Best. Week. Ever. celebration. For an entire week, every day and evening, across every portion of the city, something was happening. 50,000+ residents and visitors attended the approximately 100 experiences that took place. Best. Week. Ever. was built upon […]
Charles Black Center, Sr. Recreation Center Uses Creative Mentorship Opportunities to Impact Lives
Thoughts of Charles Black, Sr. Recreation Center usually bring to mind their after-school program or open basketball.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center Guides Youth with Life-Changing Program
Rule #1: Your life is the most valuable possession you own.
Warm Summer Nights & a Movie in the Park
There’s something about the sight of lightning bugs illuminating the fields, the sound of maracas shaking from the cicadas in the trees.
Spark’s Top 5
Venues Parks & Arts staff members give you five things they’re looking forward to this fall and winter.
A Bark in the Park
A New Dog Park Will Benefit Pets and Owners
Winter Warriors
VPA Behind the Scenes
The Top 10 Fun Things to Do in South Bend This Spring and Summer
It’s time to get the kids out of the house and shake off that deep winter hibernation!
My South Bend Parks & Trails
South Bend has always been a city thriving on vision: vision that transformed the bend of a river into a center for trade, that pushed to be a leader in heavy industry, that sought to operate as a 21st century city and that positioned itself as a hotbed for technology and innovation.
10 Fun Things To Do This Fall & Winter in South Bend
The changing seasons are upon us: School is back in session, leaves are painted in stunning hues of oranges, reds, and yellows, and the brisk morning air ushers in the need for hot coffee.