Prairie Creek board begins budget, rate and winter-storage review; residents raise fishing and signage concerns

The Prairie Creek Parks Board discussed the Prairie Creek budget, possible rate changes for docks and campsites and whether to offer winter storage this year, and requested that the items return for fuller review at the August meeting. Board members said they received year-to-date and past two-year budget reports from the city controller and that anticipated capacity reductions from the West Side closure will affect revenue. The board discussed charging a separate fee for electrical service to campsites and re-examining dock fees, and asked staff to bring concrete proposals to the next meeting. "A lot of the other sites are metered sites that's not feasible for us at this time, but we quantify a price based on some of the electrical charges out there would be one way to justify or come up with a number that makes sense," said an unidentified board member. The board also noted that the annual launch fee is $150 and discussed whether docks should include an additional stipend or adder to cover that amount. Board members said they will consider winter-storage options as the season approaches, noting that the water-company review complicates planning. The board asked staff to prepare budget recommendations and rate proposals for the August meeting to avoid late-year scheduling of changes. Public commenters raised maintenance concerns: one resident reported heavier-than-usual shoreline vegetation and poorer-than-expected fishing returns this spring; another asked whether the park sign at the Bewley Center could be refurbished or replaced to accompany a planned public-art installation by the Wylie neighborhood and the Muncie Arts and Culture Council. Carl, a parks staff member, said signage across the park system has been sun-damaged in recent years and that a signage inventory and a coordinated plan could be addressed during budget planning. He said sign replacements may have economies of scale and that staff will include signage needs in the budget conversation.