• City Government Academy Recognition
  • Spring Into the @rts Mural
  • Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run
  • Birds of Paradise Takes Flight
  • Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing
  • Valparaiso Market Returns June 4
  • Summer Outdoor Movies
  • Student Government Day
  • Neighborhood Watch
Recognizing the 2022 City Government Academy
At the May 23 City Council meeting, we celebrated the 2022 City Government Academy class. Through this interactive, 7-session program, participants learned the inner workings of more than 10 departments and toured areas including the wastewater treatment plant and Police and Fire stations. Participants asked great questions about community-wide decision making, city finances, infrastructure priorities and community involvement. 30 participants graduated this spring and, to date, 105 residents have completed the program. Learn more about the program and sign up to participate next spring.
Spring Into the @rts Mural at City Hall
The Council Chambers are now home to a collaborative and colorful mural. More than 4,000 students have contributed to the creation of this mural, led by art teachers at each Valparaiso Community School building – kindergarten through 12th grade. The title of the piece “heART of Valpo,” showcases students coming together from all corners of our community to make a masterpiece that highlights every Valparaiso Community School and iconic venues throughout the city. Learn more about the mural and Spring Into the @rts.
Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run
The inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council hosted a Color Fun Run to benefit Valpo Parks on Friday, May 20. The Run was a great success with nearly 300 participants enjoying the colorful course among family and friends. Congratulations to our Youth Council members who ended the program year by hosting a fun community event!

Students entering their junior year in the fall are invited to apply for the Mayor's Youth Council by May 31. Learn more.
Birds of Paradise Takes Flight
The City of Valparaiso launched Birds of Paradise with a community kick-off celebration on May 13. The downtown sculpture scavenger hunt promotes engagement, culture and activity while highlighting public art and local artists. The hunt includes a coloring book filled with clues designed by Melissa Washburn, which accompanies the 10 bird sculptures hidden downtown, crafted by Chad Copeland. Visit the Valparaiso library to pick up your free coloring book clue guide, or download a one-page version online here. Find them all and return to the library to claim your prize!
Valparaiso Art Walk
The Valparaiso Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing has been refreshed for its 11th season. This year's exhibit features sculptures created by Martha Cares of Sawyer, MI. The Art Walk is funded by the Redevelopment Commission with support from community sponsors. This year, the installation was completed with help from our Project Management and City Services departments. Learn more about the Art Walk.
Valparaiso Market Returns June 4
Visit the Valparaiso Market weekly to shop for fresh local produce, handmade products, plants and flowers. The Valparaiso Market is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from June 4 through October 15, located at the William E. Urschel Pavilion at Central Park Plaza. Learn more.
Summer Outdoor Movies June 7 - 28
Summer Outdoor Movies, hosted by Valparaiso Events, return this June. Bring your own chairs or blankets and enjoy a blockbuster evening under the stars. Movies are free to attend at Central Park Plaza on Tuesday evenings in June. See the full movie schedule and plan your visit.
Student Government Day
On April 29, the City of Valparaiso, Porter County and Valparaiso High School teamed up for the 46th annual Student Government Day. "Elected" seniors from VHS assumed the roles of department heads, city leaders and elected officials. They ended the day with a mock city council meeting discussing city development and parks projects.
Neighborhood Watch - Updates from Valparaiso's neighborhoods!
On May 7, the Mistwood Neighborhood teamed up with volunteers from the Valparaiso High School football team to plant 27 trees and spread 125 yards of mulch around the neighborhood. This project was funded by a Neighborhood Improvement Grant and it's great to see this volunteer involvement help bring the project to life!
Neighbors in Greenfield Creek are celebrating the recent completion of phase one of their Greenfield Commons improvement project. Funded with the help of a Neighborhood Improvement Grant, the upgraded signage and phase two's landscaping will add vibrancy to the neighborhood's gathering space.