City of Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department celebrates George Wilson Park Ski Project Groundbreaking 

Members of the Michiana community came together to celebrate a groundbreaking at George Wilson Park for the City of Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department on Wednesday, March 4.The park is celebrating with the expansion of its outdoor recreation by way of year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing experiences. 

Thanks to a $1.5 million Tourism Capital Investment Fund award from the St. Joseph County Hotel-Motel Tax Board and Visit South Bend Mishawaka, the Parks Department has an incredible opportunity. Because of their support, George Wilson Park will continue to grow as a vibrant community asset for generations to come. If it wasn’t for the grant, the City would not be able to pursue such a unique project at this time based on our funding limitations. 

“We are so excited to share a bold vision for the future of George Wilson Park,” said Phil Blasko, superintendent of Mishawaka Parks. “This is one that will bring year-round energy, expanded opportunity, and more family fun to our region.”

With this project, the community will be able to use four 300-foot tubing lanes, along with two specialized Neveplast snowboarding and skiing lanes. These lanes are being constructed with advanced synthetic surfaces designed to replicate the feel of compact snow.

George Wilson Park features more than 54.3 acres of rolling hills, lush tall trees, a playground, and scenic views of cities like Mishawaka and South Bend, making the park a perfect location for this project.

Enhancements will also be made to the state-recognized disc golf course, including new tee pads, improved signage, and hole upgrades. As well as a new pavilion for disc golf tournaments and cross country meets.

The Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department believes this project will be an ideal space for beginners and experts. People will be able to take advantage of this project for recreational use, training, and instruction.

These tracks allow standard equipment to have a better grip and flex. During the groundbreaking, the City of Mishawaka also discussed the first-ever 300-foot-long carpet lift. This is a continuous conveyor system that transports riders and their equipment back up the hill, enhancing accessibility and improving the overall experience for every guest.

“There will be no more having to walk up the hill to get to the top,” Blasko said. “It will also make the experience more accessible for all ages to be able to go up and try out tubing, skiing, or snowboarding. This project will also address several long-overdue upgrades across the park, including a new heated restroom facility with four independent stalls that you’ll be able to lock behind yourself for safety and privacy. It will also feature a new concession stand and a ticket window, so we’ll be able to utilize that all year round.”

With limited access or spaces to snow sports throughout the year due to seasonal changes, George Wilson Park is looking to be the home of a new narrative.

“Over the past eight to 10 years, we have had minimal snow during our tubing season,” Blasko said. “We’ve only been able to be open for a couple of weeks here and there, except for this year, because we got a ton of snow. However, it leads us to the question of, ‘What if we did not have to wait on Mother Nature in order to enjoy tubing, skiing, and snowboarding?’ This innovative technology will allow residents and visitors to enjoy this, regardless of the weather outside. We’ll be able to enjoy the famous George Wilson Park Tubing Hill.”

At its core, this project is about access. The parks department prides themselves on breaking down barriers — particularly those tied to affordability. Families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience skiing, snowboarding, or tubing will now be able to do so right here in the community for a fraction of the price as at your normal ski resorts. The unique amenity will be a gamechanger for engagement, but it is also a value added quality of place improvement. 

There’s plenty of excitement in the Michiana region about this project. The hope is that the project will be completed in 2027.

“We look forward to being back here in 2027 to help dedicate one of the most unique, special, innovative, and welcoming destinations and attractions that exists within our region,” said Jeff Jarnecke, executive director of business in South Bend. “We applaud Mayor Dave Wood for his innovative leadership and willingness to do things a little bit differently.”

Most importantly, Jarnecke can’t wait to see the transformative results that this project will bring for the kids who have always dreamed about becoming a snow sport athlete.

“When I think about this benefit, coming off the Olympics and with snowboarding being an up-and-coming sport, it’s amazing that you can be a Mishawaka resident, go out in the middle of July or August to snowboard, and maybe that sparks an interest or lights a fire. Maybe for those kids who can go and participate in this affordable activity, it could change their future,” said Mayor Wood.

For more information on the City of Mishawaka, you can visit mishawaka.in.gov.