Valpo REC

The current name of the project will be Valpo REC (Recreation & Enrichment Campus).

The Valpo REC is a dynamic, year-round recreation and enrichment campus committed to offering sports programs, interactive play areas, community gathering spaces, and educational opportunities. It serves as a vibrant hub where all Valparaiso residents and visitors will feel inspired.

This project is crucial due to two primary factors. First, the revitalization of the 16-acre, 225,000-square-foot former McGill Factory is essential for the surrounding area, as it represents the last abandoned industrial building in the city. Secondly, Valparaiso has long sought a central gathering place for the community to play, socialize, and learn. This initiative provides a remarkable opportunity to achieve that goal. Especially with the long winters in Northwest Indiana, the Valpo REC will offer vital year-round recreational opportunities for everyone.

To assess the viability of an indoor facility in Valparaiso, an independent market opportunity analysis was conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) in December 2021. Building upon this initial assessment, Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) undertook a two-phase study in 2024-2025. The first phase, a Market Opportunity Analysis (May-September 2024), involved gathering insights from 25 local stakeholders, several focus groups, and City/Park personnel. The positive outcomes of this phase led to SFC proceeding with the second phase, a Financial Feasibility Study, from January to May 2025.

A series of public surveys are being released between January 20th and March 1st. The surveys will cover topics such as Active Adult programming space, sports programming and participation, outdoor amenities, and indoor rental areas. An informal public open house will be scheduled at a TBD date.

A significant piece of Valparaiso's history, the former McGill factory at 909 Lafayette St., later Regal Beloit, stood as a major employer for decades. Since Regal Beloit's closure in 2021, the expansive 242,000-square-foot building and 16-acre site have remained vacant. Recognizing a unique opportunity for revitalization, the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission acquired the property as part of the City's commitment to strategic redevelopment. 

The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission owns the entire 16-acre property.

The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission purchased the property in February 2025 for $2,200,000 from Regal Beloit.

The previous owners of the former McGill Manufacturing property entered Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) voluntary cleanup program (VCP).  Most recently, IDEM approved a remediation work plan in May of 2024.  Current remediation activities include a soil vapor extraction (SVE) system and thermal treatment of subsurface impacted soils.  These activities are expected to last for the next 6-12 months. Remediation and monitoring with IDEM oversight are ongoing. Publicly available information can be obtained through the IDEM virtual file cabinet (VFC).

Sports Facilities Companies has been contracted as the owner’s representative on the project. An owner's representative (OR) in construction acts as the owner's advocate and project manager, representing their interests throughout the entire project lifecycle. They oversee all aspects of the project, from initial planning and design to construction, commissioning, and closeout. The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the nation’s leading resource for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and event facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services.

On December 29th, the City of Valparaiso entered into a Design-Build contract with Tonn & Blank Construction, Elevatus Architecture, and SEH Engineering to complete the project.

The estimated project completion is in the fall of 2027, although this timeline is subject to change based on the elements chosen and scope of work necessary, as well as any grants awarded and other factors.

UPDATE: Projected for completion by Q4 2027. A firm project milestone will be established following the finalization of the design phase.

The sheer size and prime location offer incredible possibilities such as interactive play areas, multi-sport spaces, intergenerational learning centers, community rental halls, and collaborations with public and private entities.

The project construction budget is set at $20,000,000.

Funding for the redevelopment of the property will be strategically sourced through the remaining Sports Park bond funds, grant opportunities, and public-private partnerships.

While the project team is committed to maintaining the $20,000,000 budget, several options would be considered should costs exceed this figure. These include: (1) reducing the project scope and implementing it in multiple phases; (2) leveraging the Valpo Parks Foundation's strong fundraising history to secure private donations; and (3) exploring the issuance of a General Obligation (GO) or Revenue Bond to ensure project completion.

Once completed, the Valpo Parks will manage and operate the areas in which are programmed for public use. 

The 2022 Valpo for all Generations campaign focused on four key areas: the Skatepark, Legacy Parks, the Adult Center for Enrichment, and the Sports & Recreation Campus. We're excited to report significant progress: the Flounder & Friends Skatepark and several Legacy Parks received improvements. In a strategic move to address our infrastructure, improvements to Legacy Parks also incorporated several features originally planned for the former Sports & Recreation Campus, such as pickleball courts, diamond fields, and trails. Looking ahead, the Valpo REC will house the Adult Center for Enrichment, along with other crucial indoor amenities identified in past Masterplans and public input sessions. An early concept for the Sports & Recreation Campus included a large indoor building with courts, turf, and other sports facilities. Thanks to the size of the Valpo REC, both the Adult Center for Enrichment and these indoor sports amenities will be realized there. While there will always be opportunities for further improvements and new parks, the City and Parks Department have successfully accomplished a large portion of the 2022 Valpo for all Generations plan through creative and strategic implementation.

While the final fee schedule is being determined, the facility will operate with user fees. We are exploring a flexible approach that may include membership options alongside daily or program drop-in rates. In addition, residents and non-residents will have the opportunity to rent designated areas within the facility.

This facility will welcome everyone, regardless of residency. While the specific pricing model is still being determined, we are exploring options that could include variations between residents and non-resident fees, a common practice within Valpo Parks.

The success of this facility is not solely dependent on Valpo Parks' internal programming. A significant component of its long-term viability lies in the ability to collaborate with other local and regional organizations to host a diverse spectrum of activities.

A walking track is currently under consideration for the interior of the facility. Due to the building's layout, this may not be a traditional circular or oval track, but rather a meandering path that winds through different areas of the building.

Given the building's expansive layout and potential uses, we expect multiple points of public access, depending on the area you wish to visit. Additionally, for safety and security, certain areas may be restricted to the public and require special access or permission. A potential example of such a restricted area is childcare and/or preschool.

The property's western boundary runs along Campbell Street, which includes a pathway. 

The facility will offer programs and activities designed for individuals of all ages and abilities. Recognizing that services for teenagers have been an area for growth within Valpo Parks, there is a strong commitment to collaborating directly with youth aged 13-19 to create productive and positive spaces within the new building.

While we cannot offer absolute guarantees, the project team is diligently working to ensure completion on time and within budget. We have carefully analyzed the factors that impacted the previous Sports & Recreation Campus project and have proactively addressed and mitigated those risks for this endeavor. What we can assure you, as always, is our unwavering commitment to working tirelessly and delivering a result that makes our community proud.

The project team is currently working on the design, including indoor/outdoor layouts and specialized amenities. To ensure the final results align with community expectations, Valpo Parks is launching a public feedback period from January 20 to March 1. A series of five digital surveys will be hosted at ValpoParks.org. These surveys are designed for ease of use and cover various aspects of the project. Residents and guests are encouraged to complete all surveys that align with their interests. Survey links and additional information about the Valpo REC project can be found at ValpoParks.org and social media channels.

Please visit www.ValpoParks.org for more information and to stay up to date on the project.

Valpo Parks and the City of Valparaiso thank all the firms that submitted proposals and look forward to an exciting and successful next phase of this project.

Design-Build Submissions

• Harbour Construction
• Walsh Group/Wightman
• Bear Construction/Studio GC
• ARCO National Construction
• Berglund Construction/Shive Hattery
• Lauth/Cripe
• Mortenson/Dewberry
• Tonn & Blank Construction/Elevatus Architecture
• Core Construction/Browning Day
• Hagerman Group/Schmidt Associates
• Skillman Corporation/RATIO
• F.A. Wilhelm Construction/MSKTD