The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted Wednesday to allow a 501(c)(3) youth baseball organization to rent Patriot Park’s back fields at a half‑price rate of $100 per field for an October fundraiser. The board approved the single‑day rental after public comment and confirmation that the group carries insurance and will maintain the fields.

The request was presented by John Jackson of 5356 North 600 West, who identified the team as a nonprofit and asked to use three smaller fields for an adult coed “tavern”‑style tournament to raise funds for travel and tournament fees. “We are 5013C. I have the EIN number and, sponsorship forms,” Jackson said, offering to provide proof of insurance and to handle field prep and cleanup.

Why it matters: the event could draw out‑of‑town teams, increasing hotel and restaurant business while also raising funds for the local youth players Jackson described as competing at a national level.

Board members and public commenters emphasized standard conditions and contract issues. Tommy Kolovic, a public commenter, told the board that Mayor Angie told him “she said she's willing to to cover the the the fees for this term,” and suggested coordinating with the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau to attract visiting teams. Board members asked staff to check the parks’ concessionaire contract before finalizing food service plans and to obtain the team’s insurance certificate.

The board’s motion permits the group to use Patriot Park on Oct. 11 at $100 per field; the motion was seconded and carried with no recorded opposition. The board also discussed options for food sales and whether the concessionaire’s seasonal lease would be affected; staff will confirm any lease constraints in writing before the event.

The board did not waive the rental fee outright and retained the standard nonprofit discount policy for 501(c)(3) groups. The board instructed staff to collect the team’s insurance certificate and any required paperwork, and to coordinate concessions with the incumbent concessionaire to avoid breaching that private contract.

The parks department will follow up with the organizers on insurance, a completed facility rental form (including the EIN provided at the meeting), and any concession or temporary food‑service approvals required under the concessionaire lease.