Riverwalk Commons & Nibco Water & Ice Park

The City of Elkhart commissioned JPR and Leedy Cripe Architects to design an extension of Riverwalk Commons. This riverwalk trail park system is in downtown Elkhart, along the eastern bank of the Elkhart River.

The Master Plan design process included steering committee meetings, public input meetings, and team meetings. These meetings assisted in determining the needs for civic functions such as the annual jazz festival, environmental mitigation needs, adjacent development parcel possibilities, and pedestrian connections to the existing bike path system and downtown businesses. The project included a pedestrian underpass structure, river edge treatments, pedestrian overlooks, retaining walls, landscaping, water features, custom railing, and a new lighting system. The project provided connections to the award-winning NIBCO Water & Ice Park.

Designed by JPR, in conjunction with Leedy Cripe Architects, NIBCO Water & Ice Park was the first of its kind in the nation due to its 14-foot-wide meandering ice-skating path. It contains approximately eight miles of refrigerant piping within the concrete that allows for the creation of ice. It also encompasses three buildings including a concession stand, warming room, skate rentals, and an equipment room containing the refrigeration system. This unique facility doubles as a small event venue and splash pad in the summer, creating a unique destination location.

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