Ribbon cutting held for new improvements to O'Brien Park

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend and South Bend Venues Parks & Arts celebrated the completion of the improvements to O'Brien Park with a ribbon cutting.

The improvements and upgrades included a new splash pad, new pavilion and restrooms, playground and fitness equipment, parking lot and new sidewalk, and new security cameras were installed.

Back in March of 2025, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission approved 150,000 dollars for the design and construction documents for the O'Brien Park improvements.The Commission later approved 1.7 million dollars in Tax Increment Financing, and construction began in March of 2026. However, the skate park was not included in the project investment and remains unchanged.

"Well, we're really proud of the amenities that our parks bring to our neighborhoods, so that our families and kids have places to gather and enjoy the outdoors and various recreational amenities. So, it's important that every neighborhood has access to public spaces and gathering places, and here on the south side, O'Brien Park offers just that." says South Bend Mayor James Mueller.