The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted July 16 to reduce parking fees for food trucks at non‑Washington Park locations to $50 (down from $100) and postponed a final decision on Washington Park half‑day fees. The board approved the fee change specifically for non‑Washington Park locations; the proposed discounted rate for Washington Park and a less‑than‑four‑hour half‑day fee were discussed but not adopted.
Parks staff said the change aims to make off‑beach locations more attractive to local food trucks that see far fewer customers than at Millennium Plaza or beach lots. Staff explained the schedule and booking process is staggered (no back‑to‑back weekly spots) and was distributed in January; many trucks that appear frequently signed up early. Staff also noted free spots are being offered for some events (for example, a Wednesday at Pullman Field and proposed Thursday nights at Gardena Park) and that trucks provide their own power and water.
Board members and staff discussed flexibility on daily hours. Staff suggested a four‑hour discounted slot could enable a truck to capture prime evening hours, and noted the schedule currently runs through Labor Day, with post‑Labor Day plans undecided. Staff said they will use discounted paid spots to entice trucks into lower‑traffic neighborhoods and to address food access in underserved areas, though placement requires cooperation from truck operators.
Public commenter Tommy Kolovic supported the board’s approach and suggested exploring a dedicated food‑truck park or a ‘food‑truck cafe’ model where trucks serve a fixed dining area; staff and board members noted the idea as a potential future concept for economic development.
Outcome: Motion to adjust fees for non‑Washington Park locations to $50 passed by voice vote; the Washington Park fee for shorter periods was left for later consideration. The board did not adopt a new formal long‑term food‑truck program, but staff said the schedule and fees will be managed administratively for the current season.