Muncie parks report: TUI pool challenges resolved, internships, contracts and summer events approved

Muncie Park and Recreation staff told the board on May 20 that TUI Pool’s mechanical problems have been addressed and the park system is preparing for a full slate of summer programming, while the board approved several event permits and vendor/contract agreements needed for seasonal operations.

Carl Malone, superintendent, reported that pre-opening mechanical work at TUI Pool delayed initial dates but that parts were ordered and sanitary- and fire-department crews assisted to get the pool ready for Memorial Day weekend. The YMCA will perform water sampling as required and staff said they expected the pool to open after receiving passing laboratory results.

Board members approved multiple event permits and program changes during the meeting. Motions recorded in the minutes included: - Approval to move an already-permitted event (Everlasting Superator Inc./Zion Strong) from McCullough Park in June to Hicken Park in July, with liability insurance provided. - Approval of a youth basketball skills camp reservation contingent on the organizer providing security and proof of insurance. - Approval of a neighborhood concert series (East Central Neighborhood Association) for June 11, with the board to review subsequent dates after the first event and to require porta-potties and consistency with prior neighborhood events. - Approval of Oaks Church’s July 12 gathering at Halterman Park contingent on providing security contact information to Muncie Police Department. - Approval of Grissom Elementary School’s back-to-school bash at Cooley Park on July 31 with restrooms provided by the parks department. - Approval of a 5K/fundraiser using shelters 3 and 4 with MPD security and a waiver for shelter and porta-pot fees for the nonprofit organizer.

The board also approved contracts and partnerships that affect summer operations: a summer internship program agreement with the Whiteley Community Council, a partnership with Cardinal Swim Club to provide lessons and programming at TUI Pool, and a contracting arrangement with Legacy Life Security Solutions to supply summer pool security (insurance proofs were provided). Board members said they will continue to refine an events-security threshold and a consistent policy for when security and insurance are required for park events.

Staff updates included splash-pad openings (Halterman and Riverview open; Toohie [Tui] and others scheduled), West Side main sewer-line replacement planned by J J Bird LLC, repairs to baseball and basketball facilities, and a pending mid‑June opening for the new West Side skatepark. Riverview and Thomas restroom projects were out for bid and expected to proceed through the Board of Works.

Programming staff reported a nearly filled Muncie teen internship program beginning June 4 with financial-literacy partners and placements across schools and community sites, plus expanded free learn-to-swim classes with Cardinal Swim Club and aqua-Zumba sessions. Staff asked the board to approve a staffing plan and noted ongoing recruiting for a program director.

Multiple motions to approve events, contracts and the internship program passed by voice vote with “aye” recorded; the minutes do not list individual roll-call tallies. Board members asked that staff return documentation and after-action reports for neighborhood events and that organizers be consistent on insurance and porta-pot arrangements.

What’s next: TUI Pool will open pending water-test results; staff will finalize security thresholds and event insurance requirements, continue work on Riverview/Thomas restrooms bids, complete West Side skatepark preparations for a June opening and begin the collaborative internship and swim-program contracts approved by the board.