Indiana Water asks that adjacent-owner private docks not be renewed; board to offer available docks before public lottery

City staff told the Parks and Recreation Board that Indiana Water has requested the city not renew several private, property-adjacent docks at Prairie Creek Reservoir. The parks department said some dock holders have maintained good standing but that access to those docks requires crossing Indiana Water property in ways that have led to encroachment, tree clearing and other concerns.

Parks staff recommended offering available non-adjacent docks first to dock holders in good standing before those docks proceed to the general public lottery. The board was told approximately 11–14 adjacent private docks may be affected; staff said some dock holders may elect not to keep a dock if it is no longer adjacent to their property.

Staff also said the department will revert to wooden docks this year while a planned upgrade to additional Easy Dock floating units is on hold pending financing and additional review. Staff reported outstanding invoices were recently paid through the mayor’s office and that current floating docks and three ADA-accessible docks are available for applicants. Parks staff will send letters to affected dock holders in coordination with Indiana Water and will follow up individually by phone.

Board members asked for a formal written notice and confirmed staff plans to offer available slips to in-good-standing holders before opening a lottery to the public. The board did not adopt a formal policy change at the meeting; staff will proceed with written notifications.