About the Park
One of South Bend’s most active parks, Potawatomi Park’s tree-shaded acres are home to a wide variety of amenities. The park has a new Splash Pad feature, an exercise track, a large Universally Accessible Playground, the popular, community built Kids’ Kingdom playground, an outdoor Performance Arts Pavilion and viewing area, restroom facilities and much more.
Within the Park
Potawatomi Zoo: South Bend is home to the Potawatomi Zoo, Indiana’s oldest zoo! Originally founded in 1902 at Leeper Park, the zoo moved its current location in Potawatomi Park in 1912.
Potawatomi Conservatory: Located in Potawatomi Park, the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory, with its tropical plants, waterfall and quaint garden provides a warm, inviting spot to host wedding ceremonies, receptions, parties, graduation open house, recitals, showers and meetings. For information on renting the conservatory for your next event, call the Potawatomi Conservatory Event Planner at 574-235-9442.
Chris Wilson Pavilion: An outdoor community performance stage, the Chris Wilson Pavilion is host to several concert and art series for the public every year.
Potawatomi Pool: South Bend Venues Parks & Arts is proud to have many options to stay cool in the summer heat and is committed to having a safe and delightful summer season! Did you know VPA has eight splash pads across the city in addition to the water playground in Kennedy Park?
While Potawatomi Pool is currently closed, VPA is diligently planning for the future of this well-loved city asset. Thank you for your flexibility as our department navigates the current closing of our favorite pool. Planning meetings will take place June 28, 5-8pm at Student Activities Center at Indiana University South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave.
Visit sbvpa.org/aquatics for SBVPA’s full summer aquatics schedule.
Park Improvements
Greenhouse Roof Repair completed
In 2016 Park Bond fund were used to generate a structural and maintenance assessment for the Green House. One of the items identified was a structural roof repair needed between the original structure and recent renovations. This repair will restore the integrity of the roof and prevent further maintenance issues.
Parking Lot Expansion I completed
The parking lot at Potawatomi Park was expanded 25,000 square feet to extend the lot 98 new spaces in fall 2016.
Playgrounds Upgrades completed
2017 saw the replacement of 15,000 square feet of the original playground surfacing which had reached the end of its life span. A new blended poured in place surface was installed along with a new wheelchair accessible gliding bay. Additionally, an “expression swing” was installed, allowing parents with young infants to be able to swing face-to-face at the same time.
Restrooms completed
Restrooms within the park will be upgraded to become ADA accessible.
Parking Lot Expansion II construction
Expanding the parking lot with 80 additional spots.
Zoo Front Entrance completed
Completed an overhaul of the front entrance to the zoo to include a new merchandise area, members and non-members entrance.