Walker Field Connectivity South Bend

Walker Field Connectivity South Bend

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South Bend, IN

Walker Field Connectivity

In general, the scope of services for this project consisted of HWC assisting the City of South Bend with the implementation of better pedestrian connectivity between Walker Field Park, Rum Village Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Design services included survey and schematic design (30% plans) in an initial phase. Construction documents (60%, 90%, and 100% plans), bidding, and construction administration design services were provided as a second phase.

The project features a road diet along W. Ewing Avenue between S. Walnut Street and Webster Street, which includes new sidewalk and curbs, road resurfacing, curb extensions to protect a parking lane on the north side of the street, raised intersections, a mid-block crossing, and special paving treatments at the crosswalks. A concrete multiuse trail was extended along the south side of W. Ewing Avenue from S. Gertrude Street to the Rum Village Park Road entrance along W. Ewing Avenue, and pedestrian connections into Rum Village Park, as well as Walker Field Park, were also included in the scope. The project budget, including both design and construction, was $1.9 million, and construction was completed in 2026.

Transportation

Frances Wooden Park Crawfordsville

Frances Wooden Park Crawfordsville

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Crawfordsville, IN

Frances Wooden Park

Frances Wooden Park, formerly known as Northside Park, has a rich history as a stop along the Underground Railroad in conjunction with the construction of the original Bethel AME Church in 1847 and the homesite of Crawfordsville’s second mayor, John Speed. It was a final stop, before reaching Sugar Creek, to continue northward along the route.

The design team collaborated heavily with the members of the adjacent Bethel AME church, local residents, and local historians to envision a space that would serve the church and neighboring communities and commemorate the rich history of the site. 

A new large shelter doubles as an outdoor space of worship for the Bethel AME congregation. A series of custom-designed benches denote important dates corresponding to site and local events preceding and following the passing of the 13th Amendment. The design of the playground structure and pathways within the park reflect the movement of water while musical play features mimic the sounds of water, strengthening the site’s connection to Sugar Creek.

Today, the site acknowledges and highlights the rich history of the past while emphasizing gathering and play for the present-day community. 

Landscape architecture

Connersville Offutt’s Park

Connersville Offutt’s Park

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Connersville, IN

Offutt’s Park Improvements

HWC was hired by the City of Connersville to provide conceptual design, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration services for improvements to Offutt’s Park located on Virginia Avenue. The park updates include a walking trail with fitness nodes, housing equipment, and signage, a central shelter, and updates to the entrance drive and parking, advancements to the basketball court, pedestrian connections, a drinking fountain, a handwashing station, and hand sanitation stations. The project was funded using a combination of an OCRA grant and local funding. HWC coordinated extensively with the grant coordinator throughout the process. Construction for the project was completed by Dave O’Mara Contractor, Inc. in August 2025.

Landscape architecture

Rushville Love Community Center

Rushville Love Community Center

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Rushville, IN

Love Community Center

HWC was a part of a multidisciplinary team that renovated a former Walmart building into a community center. The reimagined space now houses the Rushville Community Library, Community Food Pantry, Rush County Recreation Center, Early Learning Academy, and Government Agencies Resource Center. Additionally, a gymnasium, aquatics center, and reading room for the library were developed as part of the building program. HWC was largely responsible for survey, site design, and the landscape architecture components, including all outdoor public spaces, courtyards, and plaza.

Landscape architecture

Project Slugger – Ned Pfau Parkway

Project Slugger – Ned Pfau Parkway

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Jeffersonville, IN

Ned Pfau Parkway

In the summer of 2024, it was announced that Meta would be building a data center on a 619-acre campus in River Ridge. Before the announcement, HWC was already designing “Project Slugger”, which was an extension of River Ridge Parkway to gain access to the Meta property. The project extends River Ridge Parkway 1,700’. Coordination was performed between HWC and Meta designers for project tie-down location. The extension project used a three-lane roadway section (two 12’ lanes with a 12’ two-way left-turn lane) with curb and gutter. The project included storm sewer along with an 8’ x 5’ reinforced concrete box culvert. 
Transportation