City Celebrates Opening of Vale Park West Link Pathway

7,600-foot pathway connects northwest neighborhoods with schools, parks and Downtown

The City of Valparaiso officially opened the Vale Park West Link Pathway today, celebrating a new connection that makes it easier for residents in the northwest part of the community to walk, bike and enjoy the outdoors while accessing schools, parks and Downtown. 

Mayor Jon Costas joined Engineering Director Max Rehlander, Parks Director Tristan Leonhard, project partners and neighborhood representatives for a ribbon-cutting celebration marking completion of the 7,600-foot pathway. Located alongside portions of Vale Park Road and Froberg Road, the off-road pathway provides a dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a safer alternative to traveling alongside vehicle traffic. 

“This project is about more than adding another stretch of pathway. It’s about creating connections – between neighborhoods, parks, schools and Downtown – and giving people more ways to enjoy and experience our community,” said Mayor Costas. “It’s an investment in our quality of life today and in the future of Valparaiso.” 

The pathway connects several northwest Valparaiso neighborhoods, including Pepper Creek, Iron Gate, Windsor Park, Pepper Cove, Keystone Commons and Foggy Glen, with Valparaiso High School, Rogers Lakewood Park and Downtown through the City’s existing pathway network. 

Completed in phases over the past four construction seasons, the project adds an important link to Valparaiso’s growing network of more than 27 miles of pathways. 

Funding included a $364,500 grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Next Level Trails Program, along with local funding through the Local Income Tax and Redevelopment Commission. 

“The Vale Park West Link Pathway represents a significant investment in connectivity and safety,” said Rehlander. “Projects like this require long-term planning, coordination and collaboration, and we’re grateful to the construction teams, design partners, City staff and surrounding neighborhoods who helped bring this project to completion.” 

Construction was completed by Reith-Riley, Milestone and NewTech, along with their subcontractors. Abonmarche and DLZ contributed to project design, with City team members also assisting with design and project coordination. The City extends its appreciation to the surrounding residents and homeowners associations, including Pepper Creek Courtyards, Pepper Creek Estates, Beauty Creek Villas, Windsor Park, Pepper Cove, Keystone Commons and Foggy Glen Condos, for their cooperation and support throughout construction. 

The new pathway also advances Valparaiso’s broader vision for a connected community where residents can safely travel between neighborhoods, schools, parks, businesses and Downtown.

“At Valpo Parks, we often think of pathways as linear parks. They provide opportunities for recreation and support community health, but they also connect people to one another and to the places that make Valparaiso special,” said Leonhard. “We’re excited to see this new link become part of our community’s everyday experience, whether someone is heading to school, visiting a park, getting exercise or simply enjoying a walk close to home.” 

Valparaiso’s commitment to active transportation and cycling has earned the community Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community recognition from the League of American Bicyclists. Along with its expanding pathway network, the City continues to invest in opportunities for outdoor recreation through initiatives such as the $10 million rePLAY program, which has brought improvements to 10 City parks. 

With the completion of the Vale Park West Link Pathway, Valparaiso takes another step toward a more connected community, providing residents with additional opportunities to get outside, travel safely and enjoy all that the city has to offer.