South Bend: City Celebrates O'Brien Park Improvements

~ South Bend officials marked the completion of improvements at O'Brien Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 14, 2026.

The project added a splash pad, a pavilion and two restrooms with indoor plumbing, replacing the previous splash pad and pit latrine. It also included two playground areas for different age groups and an adult fitness area.

Other work included repairs and new striping in the existing parking lot, a new asphalt parking area along E. Walter Street, and a sidewalk connecting Michigan and Fellows streets. The sidewalk links the splash pad, pavilion, playground and YMCA entrance. The project also added security cameras, partial fencing around a retention area, replacement trees and landscaping.

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Mayor James Mueller said the improvements make the park safer, more accessible and more welcoming. Erin Thornton, executive director of South Bend Venues Parks & Arts, said the playground design uses the site's natural topography to create a distinctive experience.

The South Bend Redevelopment Commission approved $150,000 in March 2025 for design and construction documents, then later approved $1.7 million in Tax Increment Financing for construction, according to the city. Construction began in March 2026.

The skatepark was not part of the project and remains unchanged.

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