Kevin Nuppnau (Photo provided, City of Valparaiso)
Tristan Leonhard (Photo provided, City of Valparaiso)
In Valparaiso, the city says Kevin Nuppnau will be leaving his role as Director of Valpo Parks to accept a leadership position with the Porter County Community Foundation, effective at the end of January 2026, according to Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “We are incredibly grateful for Kevin’s extraordinary service to Valpo Parks and to our community,” said Mayor Costas. “His vision, leadership, and commitment have elevated our parks system in lasting ways. While he will be deeply missed, this new role allows Kevin to continue making a meaningful impact in Porter County, and we wish him every success.”
Nuppnau joined Valpo Parks in 2018 as Business Operations Director and was appointed Director in 2023. During his tenure, the city says he helped lead transformative projects that will benefit Valparaiso for generations, including Creekside Trails, Flounder and Friends Skatepark, the $10 million RePlay initiative and the Valpo REC – Recreation and Enrichment Center. The Valpo REC is currently converting the 16-acre former McGill factory site into a dynamic recreation and enrichment center not far from downtown Valparaiso.
Assistant Director of Valpo Parks Tristan Leonhard has been named Acting Director. Leonhard joined Valpo Parks in 2023 after previously serving as Director of Campus Recreation and Well Being at Valparaiso University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in sports administration, both from Valparaiso University.
Valpo Parks includes 23 parks facilities and 31 miles of trails and pathways, offering programming throughout the city. In 2024, Valpo Parks assumed management of the Memorial Opera House in downtown Valparaiso and launched RePLAY, a community-driven initiative that delivered $10 million in improvements to ten parks across the city. The city said Valpo Parks system is nationally respected and has earned numerous awards for community improvement, innovation, and industry achievement. To learn more, visit valpoparks.org .
