Seitz Park in South Bend Poised for Reopening After Major Delays and Budget Increases

Photo byWSBT photo

After years of anticipation, South Bend’s Seitz Park is finally nearing completion, with city officials optimistic that the end result will be worth the wait. The project, initially estimated at $8.2 million, has faced significant delays and is now projected to cost $10.2 million due to a series of unforeseen challenges.

“It was delayed, but at the end, I think people will find that it was well worth the wait,” stated Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works for the City of South Bend.

The primary delays stemmed from the installation of hydroelectric turbines by Notre Dame underneath the park, which had to be completed before any reconstruction could begin. Horvath noted that the pandemic further complicated matters, pushing the hydroplant’s completion to July 2022.

Once construction began, crews encountered structural issues along the riverside walls. “As we started digging to build portage, we found areas where the wall was disintegrating, which forced us to stop work,” Horvath explained. This setback necessitated additional designs and negotiations with contractors, adding to the timeline and budget.

Despite these challenges, Horvath emphasized that the repairs were vital for the park's safety and long-term structural integrity. “If we didn’t do that, we would be putting a beautiful park on a foundation that could fail. We want to ensure that the park lasts for years to come,” he said.

As the project nears its conclusion, visitors can look forward to new amenities including updated bathrooms, concession stands, a raised riverwalk, and a revitalized band shell that will host the Summer Concert Series. The community eagerly awaits the reopening of Seitz Park, hopeful that the final product will enhance the area's beauty and functionality.