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Storm damage and an electrified fence close segments of Singing Sands Trail; park department files insurance claim
Summary
Park staff reported extensive storm damage to fencing along Singing Sands Trail after a power line fell and sparked a grass fire. The department filed an insurance claim and will solicit emergency repair quotes because damage threatens an agreement to keep the railroad‑adjacent property secured.
Park officials told the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on May 21 that a downed high‑voltage line struck and severely damaged fencing along the Singing Sands Trail, causing a grass fire and extensive destruction to fence hardware that could allow unauthorized access to the railroad right‑of‑way.
Shannon, park department staff, described the damage as "extensive" and said crews will obtain multiple contractor quotes for emergency repairs. "I've already filed the claim with the insurance to initially get that started. It's gonna be well above our $5,000 deductible," Shannon said, adding the department planned to move quickly because the lease requires securing the railroad‑adjacent property.
Why it matters: The damaged fence separates public parkland from railroad property. If panels are lost or remain unrepaired, the city could be in breach of its lease obligations and public safety risks would increase.
Details reported to the board
Staff showed images of a snapped Nipsco line that struck the fence and energized it; the energized fence ran a distance down the line, blew off hardware and caused a grass fire that reportedly ran about 700 feet before containment. Park staff said gaps left by damaged rolling gates likely prevented worse damage from continuing along the entire line. A contractor was scheduled to survey the damage and provide a quote, and staff said they would seek at least two additional quotes.
Insurance and next steps
The department has opened an insurance claim and expects damages will exceed the city deductible; staff said they cannot yet estimate total costs. A contractor will survey and provide repair estimates; staff characterized the needed repairs as emergency work because failing fence panels could open access to the railroad right‑of‑way, which the city is obligated to secure under its lease.
Board members asked whether insurance would cover the work; Shannon confirmed an insurance claim has been filed and that the work will proceed as an emergency repair while they obtain quotes.
