Crossroads Community Church to host picnic and egg hunt at Olery Park after board approval

The Elkhart Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved permits for Crossroads Community Church to host a Picnic in the Park and an Easter egg hunt at Olery Park.

Beth Pittman, representing Crossroads, described the Picnic in the Park as part of the church’s “You Are Loved” initiative and said the group plans to serve “hot dogs, chips, and bottled water and, pops freezer pops” to anyone in the community. She said the event aims to reach surrounding residents and remove cost barriers to participation.

Another Crossroads representative outlined plans for an April 19 egg hunt with separate fields for different age groups, face painting and volunteers handling logistics. She said the group expects broad community participation and partners to prepare and stuff thousands of plastic eggs at volunteer stuffing parties; organizers noted they use volunteers from partner organizations for stuffing work.

During board discussion a member asked if the event would use real eggs; the presenter clarified the hunt would use plastic eggs. One board member referenced an outstanding legal review for a related item and told the presenter to return next month for any items not yet cleared by legal staff.

Both items passed on unanimous voice votes. Roll call shows Nikisha, Elena and Alexis saying yes along with Bill Murray, Sarah Santare and Christopher Baker. The transcript records no special conditions attached beyond the standard permit approval; no insurance amounts or vendor contracts were recorded in the discussion.