Mishawaka, Indiana, located just east of South Bend, has a rich history and a vibrant community. The city has transformed an obsolete industrial factory site next to the St. Joseph River into a public destination. Today, the Ironworks Plaza stands as the centerpiece of the Mishawaka Riverwalk. This multi-use path connects thousands of homes and seven city parks, offering residents and visitors alike a place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the beauty of the riverfront.
The Vision and Development of Ironworks Plaza
The City of Mishawaka embarked on a multi-year project to create a public destination out of an old industrial site. Strong city leadership envisioned removing hazardous factory buildings, cleaning up environmental issues, and pursuing redevelopment opportunities for public benefit.
In the mid-2010s, the city of Mishawaka pushed to create an iconic, year-round public asset. This would attract new living, working, dining, and recreational opportunities. The vision was also to create an iconic destination and further activate the city's biggest natural asset: the St. Joseph River.
In 2017, Landscape Architects at Context Design began working with stakeholders and the design team. They put forth a vision and implementation strategy for the next phase of redevelopment at the former Superfund site.
Key Project Priorities
The Landscape Architects identified five key project priorities:
Read also: Winter Fun at Hamilton Ice Arena
- Incorporating public amenities that support active and passive recreation.
- Establishing flexible spaces to host large-scale community events.
- Embracing the river.
- Activating the space year-round.
- Driving extensive economic development.
Flood resilience was held as an inherent design principle, as the site is subject to flooding during large storm events. Adding a parking garage also allowed the city to significantly reduce surface parking requirements and maximize public green space.
Ironworks Ice Rink (Mishawaka, IN) Drone Footage
Ironworks Ice Rink: A Winter Wonderland
The Ironworks Ice Rink is a skate-by-reservation only facility located in the heart of downtown Mishawaka. In the winter months, a large portion of the plaza is transformed into a 17,600-square-foot ice-skating rink.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater perfecting your spins or a beginner taking it slow, the rink offers plenty of space to enjoy the magic of gliding across the ice. Nothing says winter quite like lacing up a pair of skates and gliding around the ice.
Sessions require online booking. Skating is available only by reservation, so it's best to make sure you sign up online in advance.
Unique Ice Activities
If you thought Ironworks Ice Rink was just for skating, think again. The electric bumper cars are an absolute blast - after all, what's better than scooting along the ice and ramming into other people? Each bumper car session lasts 15 minutes. Riders must be at least 5 years old and 42 inches tall to ride alone. Icebyks, a low-riding bike similar to a Big Wheel, are a fun way to cruise around the ribbon with friends and family.
Read also: Ice Skating in Great Neck
One of the standout attractions is the Ice Bumper Cars. Imagine the thrill of spinning, bumping, and gliding across the rink while surrounded by twinkling lights. It’s a must-try for kids and adults alike, combining classic bumper car fun with a winter twist. This family-friendly spot offers an exciting lineup of activities that will warm your heart, even in the coldest weather.
Additional Amenities and Attractions
When you're ready to take a break, you can warm up with hot cocoa or a snack at the cozy concession stand. Ironworks Ice Rink is in the heart of downtown Mishawaka, right along the St. Joseph River, with plenty to do before and after your time on the ice. Adjacent to the rink, Beutter Park includes some amazing public art and a wonderful water feature. It's a great place to go for a walk and even a little more magical with some snow. Central Park, with its massive playground, is just across the river via footbridge. Several local restaurants are within minutes of the rink.
Art and Lighting: Enhancing the Experience
James Brenner created sculptures whose presence transforms as the day turns to night. Michael Cohen collaborated closely in developing the lighting approach and design details. The five animated, luminous sculptures comprise "The Illuminated Arcs: Skate Lines."
According to Brenner, "The designs were inspired by the free, fluid feeling of ice skating and the graceful lines that skates leave behind on the ice." In the center, the largest sculpture titled "Pair" anchors an interactive fog garden triggered by touching a post placed nearby. When the fog interacts with the changing lights, it gives the site a mystical, magical feel.
The multiple-timeline lighting controller also coordinates the dynamic color and pacing for the sculptures, fog, skating rink, and building facades. Furthermore, this controller activates the operation of the fog zones in coordination with lighting patterns.
Read also: Ice Skating at AZ Ice Gilbert
Michael Cohen of Schuler Shook and James Brenner worked long hours together on site, wiring the sculptures and programming each node for the many custom light shows created.
Integrating Design and Nature
The design for Ironworks Plaza incorporates key facets to address environmental sensitivity, using carbon-conscious materials, sustainable systems for climate resiliency, enhanced ecosystems, and community empowerment. With the plaza's setting along the river, the designers included sustainable efforts like bioswales, dry streambeds, native vegetation, and permeable pavements in high-flood areas to combat flooding and bank erosion. Native plantings and bank stabilization enriched and re-established local flora and fauna along the river corridor.
A Lasting Impact
Together, the plaza's distinct spaces and innovative lighting create a truly unique, iconic destination with a variety of all-season, public and private amenities and activities. In just the first year, Ironworks Plaza hosted 18 farmers markets, 30 community events, 15 music and concert nights, seven food truck Wednesdays, 5,000 attendees at Mishawaka's annual Winter Fest, and 29,000 visitors during ice skating season.
The project has spurred an additional $80 million of infill development that continue drawing people to downtown Mishawaka and the St. Joseph River.
Other Recreational Opportunities in Mishawaka
Besides the Ironworks Ice Rink, Mishawaka offers a variety of recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors:
Merrifield Pool
Merrifield Pool offers a safe, supervised, and healthy environment for the members of our community. Among its many amenities are a 180-foot water slide, two diving boards, water basketball, and a concession stand.
Merrifield Pool offers the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program and follows its curriculum for eight lessons per session. Lessons are Monday-Friday, with eight lessons per session. The last Friday of each lesson will be a family swim so participants can show off their new skills.
Battell Community Center
The Battell Community Center is newly renovated for our residents and visitors to enjoy. This cozy space is available for parties, celebrations, weddings and more. Facility rental comes with a standard refrigerator, an electric stove, a head rack, gas fireplace, air conditioning, restrooms, a playground and tables and chairs.
Dining and Entertainment
There are so many wonderful places to dine within walking distance of Ironworks Plaza. Chicory Cafe Mishawaka is just around the corner, Jesús Latil Grill is across the street, Doc Pierce's is about a 5 minute walk to downtown along with so many more. The Ball Band Biergarten is in a prime location along Beutter Riverfront Park, just outside of Sun King Brewery. Named after the historic Ball Band footwear company of Mishawaka, the European-style biergarten offers a great space to relax and listen to music on a summer day.
Residents from across Mishawaka can enjoy various offerings when they arrive at the plaza. Whether it’s strolling through the Biergartens, ordering a warm drink at the café, watching a concert at the event center stage.
Table: Mishawaka Recreational Facilities and Programs
| Facility/Program | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ironworks Ice Rink | Ice skating and activities in downtown Mishawaka | Ice skating, bumper cars, icebyks, concession stand |
| Merrifield Pool | Community pool with swimming programs | Water slide, diving boards, water basketball, Learn-to-Swim program |
| Battell Community Center | Renovated space for events and gatherings | Refrigerator, stove, fireplace, air conditioning, playground |
| Ball Band Biergarten | Outdoor space for relaxation and music | Located in Beutter Riverfront Park, partners with Sun King Brewery |