Swimming: Swimming hasn’t been allowed at the park for many years, but in 1929, four lifeguards were on duty and also taught swimming. In 1930, the American Legion band concerts were moved back and forth from Centennial Park until 1938 when the concerts became a permanent summer attraction. The band shell opened in 1960.
Phase I: Today, Kollen Park is the City’s major waterfront recreational park and serves a variety of open space and recreational opportunities for the community. In 1998, a community charrette was held to develop a new redevelopment and expansion plan for Kollen Park. The first phase was completed in the fall of 2003, which included the first phase of the boardwalk in the north end of the park, new playground area, picnic shelter and parking.
Phases II to IV: These phases included expansion of the boardwalk along the original Kollen Park waterfront, a new boat launching and parking area, new boulevard entrance to Kollen Park from 16th Street and the extension of the waterfront boardwalk around the Heinz facility adding 1,800 lineal feet of boardwalk to the 2,150 feet along Kollen Park for a total of 3,950 feet. This project also included the addition of a new parking area adjacent to the Boatwerks Restaurant, sidewalks and walkways connecting the former Western Tool property located west of the restaurant. Today, the park consists of over 24 acres and the 4,000 lineal feet of boardwalk on a perpetual easement granted by the H.J. Heinz Company.
- History Courtesy of Randall VandeWater
Kollen Park/ Heinz Waterfront Walkway is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.