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Elkhart parks director outlines 2026 priorities; council tentatively approves department budget
Summary
Jamison Zarnikki presented Parks & Recreation accomplishments, revenue and capital plans; council gave tentative approval to the parks department budget (motion by Councilman Fish, seconded by Councilwoman Hines) with a roll call that recorded one no vote from Councilman Henke.
Jamison Zarnikki, Superintendent of Elkhart Parks and Recreation, presented the department's 2026 budget priorities and a summary of 2025 accomplishments at the Oct. 6 Elkhart City Council meeting. Zarnikki told council the department has hosted more than 90 programs this year and reported cash revenue of about $447,000 and donations and sponsorships of roughly $180,000 — for external revenue totaling about $627,000 so far in 2025.
Zarnikki described capital work completed in 2025, including six new playgrounds, a new restroom building at Walker Park and pathway resurfacing at High Dive Park, and said the department plans one additional playground and fitness equipment in three parks. He outlined requests for 2026 including a replacement vehicle for concessions and improvements to restrooms at Lundquist Park and Olry Park. "The old adage of it takes money to make money is the same true for Ideal Beach," Zarnikki said, describing plans to commission a market feasibility study for that facility and to explore public-private partnership options.
Council members pressed for additional detail on several budget lines. Councilman Fish asked about a discrepancy involving the professional services line, noting Schedule A showed $30,000 while other materials referenced $100,000; staff acknowledged a typo in Schedule A and indicated they would correct it. Zarnikki said professional services funding will be used for conceptual designs and phase assessments for capital projects and that operational-efficiency efforts will focus on energy reductions and staffing models.
After discussion, Councilman Fish moved to tentatively approve the Parks and Recreation budget for 2026; Councilwoman Hines seconded. At roll call the council recorded votes as follows: Councilman Holt — Aye; Councilman Curry — Yes; Councilwoman King — Yes; Councilwoman Mishler — Aye; Councilman Fish — Yes; Councilwoman Hines — Yes; Councilman Crabtree — Yes; Councilman Henke — No; President Dawson — Aye. The motion carried (8-1).
Zarnikki also described outreach and partnership work, including the Elkhart Park Foundation's scholarship program for camp participants and volunteer engagement through adopt-a-park service days. Council members asked for further data on specific facilities (Ideal Beach operating costs and potential privatization scenarios) and for a follow-up presentation on fuel and advertising line items before final budget adoption.
