As part of the City of Valparaiso’s $10 million rePLAY initiative, Berglund Construction, serving as Construction Manager, has officially broken ground on the ValPLAYso PicklePlex project—an exciting park improvement that will bring six new pickleball courts to the community by summer 2025. 

City officials, construction partners, and community members gathered on April 15 to celebrate the start of construction on the new courts, which are designed to expand recreational access and meet growing demand for pickleball in the region. 

“Berglund Construction has partnered with Valpo Parks to serve as their Construction Manager,” said Josh Schoon, Project Executive at Berglund Construction. “This project, like many within the rePLAY initiative, has a lot of moving parts. Our role is to help guide everything from budgeting to scheduling to ensure all of the projects are coordinated and remain on budget. The Valpo Parks team has such a deep passion for this community—it’s evident in everything they do. We’re honored to contribute to that mission.” 

The new courts will feature shaded seating areas for spectators and are expected to be completed by late July 2025. Their inclusion in the rePLAY initiative stems directly from public input and feedback gathered by Valpo Parks. 

“In just over 90 days, these brand-new courts will open to the public,” said Kevin Nuppnau, Director of Valpo Parks. “Our commitment to this project is a direct result of the voices we heard residents asking for more ways to play and connect. The ValPLAYso PicklePlex reflects our dedication to evolving with our community’s needs.” 

Pickleball’s growing popularity across all age groups makes it a perfect fit for the rePLAY initiative, which is focused on accessibility, inclusivity, and enhancing quality of life through parks and recreation. The low-impact sport is easy to learn and welcoming to players of all skill levels. 

Each of the six courts will support up to four players at a time, allowing for multiple games—singles or doubles—to happen simultaneously. The PicklePlex will serve as a hub for both casual play and potential competitive events, while encouraging social connection and physical activity. 

As the PicklePlex moves forward, Valpo Parks and its partners have their eyes on even more enhancements citywide. Other projects under the rePLAY umbrella include improvements at Ogden Botanical Gardens, Glenrose South Park, Tower Park, and more. 

For updates on Valpo Parks projects and the rePLAY initiative, visit valpoparks.org.