Michigan City parks staff gave the board a status update on Aug. 20 for the Singing Sands Trail project, reporting progress on design, property acquisition and near-term temporary closures tied to utilities work.

The superintendent said the department "has already acquired 21 parcels, and we have 12 to 15 to go that'll shake out in the final design," and said the planned bid date remains September 2026. The superintendent reported a change in the phase 3 alignment after the Indiana Department of Natural Resources denied a construction-in-a-floodway permit for a planned bridge through Friendship Gardens; staff said the denial "saves us $1,500,000 in construction" and that the route will instead go straight across Liberty Trail, requiring acquisition of a small number of parcels behind the fire station and park maintenance area.

Staff warned of short-term closures: portions of the trail near the Sanitary District on Eighth Street were closed during the week of the meeting, and Peanut Bridge will be closed for a large sanitary-district installation of a new sewer main and a lift station "in the next probably 2 to 6 weeks." The superintendent said the project will also pave an old railroad spur from the bridge to Highway 12 to improve connections to nearby businesses, including Burnham Brewery and destinations near Center Street.

Design work on the Amtrak crossing for the trail is ongoing; staff said they are coordinating with Amtrak and plan refuge islands, pedestrian stopping points and a gate for pedestrians during train movements. The superintendent said Amtrak "is being good to us on this phase" and that the agency has promised to deliver contracted work from earlier agreements.

Board members and staff described outreach to other partners: the zoo team has met with parks staff to discuss construction delivery methods; the high school construction technology team may supply in-class projects and donated materials for park improvements; and the department continues to plan ribbon cuttings and public receptions for related park improvements.

Staff did not present a final cost figure for the updated alignment; the board was informed of schedule changes, required acquisitions and short-term closures that will affect trail users.