The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on June 18 gave conceptual approval to decorate a new shed at Walker Street Community Garden with a mural, allowing the project to move forward to final design.

A parks staff member said the garden has Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to purchase a larger shed — approximately 10 by 12 feet — and that neighborhood beautification money, identified in the meeting as ARPA funds, will cover mural work. "This will be paid through I believe it's ARPA Beautification Funds. Mhmm. There's no cost to us at all, not for the shed, not for the artwork," the presenter said.

The parks presenter said the garden managers selected an artist through Lebesnik Arts and that the board’s approval was for concept only; a final design will be presented to the board before installation. A motion to approve the concept passed unanimously.

The presenter noted the city’s ownership of the property requires board sign‑off to permit painting the structure, but there is no anticipated cost to the parks department because grant and beautification funds will cover the work.