Tristan Leonhard (Photo provided, City of Valparaiso)
In Valparaiso, Mayor Jon Costas has announced the appointment of Tristan Leonhard as Parks Director for Valpo Parks. Leonhard most recently served as Acting Director and previously as Assistant Director for Valpo Parks. He joined the department in 2023 after serving as Director of Campus Recreation and Well-Being at Valparaiso University. Since joining Valpo Parks, the city says Leonhard has played a key role in advancing major initiatives, including the $10 million Parks RePLAY initiative and the development of Valpo REC, which is transforming the 16-acre former McGill factory site into a multi-generational recreation and enrichment center near downtown. “Tristan’s expertise, leadership experience, and dedication to community engagement make him an outstanding choice to guide our award-winning Valpo Parks Department,” said Mayor Costas. “ Valpo Parks manages 23 park facilities and 31 miles of trails and pathways. To learn more about Valpo Parks, its properties, programs, and projects, visit ValpoParks.org .
