City seeks feedback for final Potawatomi Park plan

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — It’s been a summertime staple in South Bend for nearly 70 years, but the Potawatomi Pool will soon be demolished.

The community gathering spot has been closed for two summers in a row, and now it will be completely removed during renovations at the park.

Its neighbor, the playground “Kid’s Kingdom” will also likely follow suit, as they hope to improve the park.

Mayor James Mueller, who has his own fond memories at the park, says it is time to look towards its future.

"It's well beyond the state of repair and then the question is what comes next,” he said regarding the pool.

This news comes after word that a new pool will be built Kennedy Park, with $15 million of federal funding. Mayor Mueller said Potawatomi Park was not eligible for that funding.

The city hopes to use community feedback to decide what improvements will come in its place.

They have released a draft, that does not include a new pool for Potawatomi Park, but possibly a different kind of aquatic feature.

There is no exact timeline yet, but community feedback sessions on the park plan will take place at the River Park Library Branch on April 30, and an online forum is available for those unable to make it.

More information as well as the survey can be found here.