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Parks and Recreation
The main focus of Mishawaka's newest park is the river. Beutter Park includes a river race with elliptical shaped overlook weirs and fiber-optic underwater lighting, two connecting bridges across the race to the park, the Mishawaka Riverwalk, the "Shards" sculpture, and an 800 foot perennial garden. The park is named in honor of Robert C. Beutter, who served Mishawaka as Mayor from 1984-2003. East Race Waterway South Bend's Whitewater is calling you! East Race Waterway- the first artificial whitewater course Kid's Kingdom Located in South Bend's beautiful Potawatomi Park, near the Potawatomi Zoo, Kid's Kingdom is the premier place to play and to be "seen" for the 4 foot and under crowd. Designed with the help of local children, and built by adult volunteers, it is this area's newest and most unique playground, featuring 12,000 square feet of amusement at no charge.
Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories Since the 1920s, the Potawatomi Greenhouses have given the area flowers and plants to enjoy year round. Eight growing houses are used to grow flowers and plants for three seasonal flower shows and to supply the conservatories. In April and May these greenhouses are packed with thousands of annuals for use in South Bend's parks, zoo, golf courses and fire stations. Several other city sites are supplied with the plants to help brighten South Bend throughout the spring and summer months The addition of the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical conservatories in 1963 and 1967 included a tropical and more people friendly area for all to enjoy. The Arizona Desert Dome was completed in 1973. Many types of cacti and succulents give a feel of the arid southwest to visitors. Century plants and a large Monkey Puzzle tree stand out in this collection of desert oddities.
Special attractions include the Australian-Walkabout where guests are immersed in the Outback with wallaby, kangaroo, and emus. Potawatomi Zoo's mission is dedicated to the enrichment of the community by promoting wildlife conservation and awareness of endangered species. In order to fulfill their commitment, they serve as a public education institution, as a scientific center, and as a cultural and recreational agency. Shiojiri Niwa Japanese Gardens Open year-round, on 1.3 acres in Mishawaka-Shiojiri, Japan, sister-city relationship. The gardens were designed by the same architect who created the landscape of the Japanese Pavilion at Epcot Center in Florida.
For very minimal fees, the Parks department offers a selection of activities. For example, rent canoes to explore the St. Joseph River or the Inlets of Baugo Creek, play Disc Golf at several locations, sign-up for summer nature programs for children, or volunteer at the Annual River Clean-up. Lessons and workshop programs include, learning to identify wildflowers and migrating birds, Fun First Fishing, Project Learning Tree Workshop, and the Herptile Hike to learn about resident reptiles and amphibians. Contact for a complete calendar of events.
The goal of this unique educational Military Honor Park is to recognize, acknowledge and pay tribute to all Michiana area veterans from all wars and each of the five military service branches, whether living or deceased. Built entirely with private donations, the park sits on four acres in front of the Michiana Regional Airport. It features a restored T-33 jet plane, a Twin 3-inch Gun, which is found on most warships, and many other items of military interest. 
For additional outdoor recreational opportunities try: |
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Project Future - 401 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617 . Phone: (574) 234-6590 or (800) 228-8086 . Fax: (574) 236-1060 |
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Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park 
in North America was built in 1984. Annually hosting national and world-class whitewater slalom races, the waterway brings Olympic winners and national champions to South Bend each season. This April the East Race Waterway will host the 
