Park to Bear Joe Kernan’s Name

(Image courtesy of the South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Department.)

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A four-acre park in a prominent city location will be renamed in honor of a former South Bend mayor and Indiana governor. A ceremony Monday afternoon will change the name of Viewing Park to Governor Joe Kernan Park. The park includes a nearly-half-mile-long nature path and is located at Northside Blvd. at Notre Dame Ave.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg will lead the ceremony, which will honor Kernan, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who, among other accomplishments, served as South Bend Mayor from 1988-1997, lieutenant governor from 1997-2003 and governor from 2003-2005. After office, he became an owner of the South Bend Silver Hawks (now called the Cubs) for several years.

Buttigieg says "Joe Kernan has served our city, state, and country with extraordinary distinction. He is among the most courageous, energetic, and decent individuals our city has produced. Naming this very visible park in his honor is a small way for us to honor his impact and invite future generations to look to his inspiring example."

The ceremony is set for July 24 at 3:00 p.m.