The Valpo Parks Department announced Tuesday it is now accepting proposals for the ambitious transformation of the long-shuttered McGill Manufacturing landscape into the city’s new $20 million indoor recreation and event facility.

Dubbed as the “Valpo REC Project,” the design will span approximately 130,00 square feet within the available 163,000-square-foot existing foundation of the former factory at 909 N. Lafayette St. near the heart of downtown Valparaiso. Once completed for an anticipated late 2027 unveiling, Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau says the community will welcome “a recreation and enrichment campus” in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso City Council member Diana Reed, D-1st, who serves as the council liaison for the park department, said Tuesday there continues to be “exploration with the intent” so the exterior and footprint of the original factory structure can be “repurposed and preserved” with renovations to morph into the new multi-purpose park facility.

Early architectural designs show approximately 25,000 square feet of dedicated courts for various sports; 32,000 square feet of indoor turf, offering versatile space for activities; 20,000 square feet dedicated to an interactive children’s space providing engaging educational play; and an additional 53,00 square feet of flexible space designed to “accommodate youth and senior enrichment areas, a walking track, a café, and essential support spaces” with a construction timeline expected to begin as early as October 2025.

“This project represents an exciting step forward for indoor recreation in Valparaiso,” Nuppnau said in the bid announcement Tuesday.

“We are excited to partner with a team to bring this space to life, offering opportunities for sports, learning, and community engagement for all ages. This facility will be a hub for health, wellness, and connection in our city.”

Nuppnau and the Valparaiso Park Board have set a timeline for sealed proposals for the Valpo REC to be received at the office of the Valpo Parks Administration Office, located at 3210 N. Campbell in Valparaiso, until 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

The sealed proposals will be publicly opened at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting at Valparaiso City Hall Council Chambers, 166 W. Lincolnway, starting at 11 a.m., also on Friday, Aug. 22.

Proposals will be presented at the Valparaiso Board of Public Works meeting at City Hall Council Chambers at 11 a.m. Sept. 12, and if an acceptable proposal is agreed upon, a recommendation of award will be made.

Interested parties can obtain the full “Request for Proposals” document by contacting the Valpo Parks Administration Office during regular business hours or visiting www.ValpoParks.org.

Last month, the Valparaiso Parks Department entered a partnership with Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater, Florida, for the projected $20 million REC redevelopment after the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission purchased the property earlier this spring for $2.5 million.

The Valparaiso Parks Department has promised to “transform the 16-acre site, including its expansive 225,000-square-foot industrial building, into a year-round recreation hub for programming and activities.”

Nuppnau has explained the funding for the redevelopment of the property “will be strategically sourced through the remaining Sports Park bond funds, grant opportunities and public-private partnerships.”

For more information related to the project, visit www.valpoparks.org/731/Valpo-REC.

Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.