Parks board approves 95% construction drawings for Fetters Alley inclusive playground; $1.4 million still needed

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted to approve the 95% construction drawings for the Fetters Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park on May 21, moving the project a step closer to bidding while park staff said about $1.4 million remains to be raised before construction can start.

Board members approved the package after a presentation by consultants from Hitchcock Design Group and JPR, who described the design development, site grading, utilities and the restroom/picnic shelter building planned for Fetters Alley.

Shannon, a park department staff member, told the board the project is "still fundraising. We're $1,400,000 short of going to construction," and said late‑fall was a projected target to begin winter work if funding is secured. Joel Baldwin, principal with Hitchcock Design Group, told the board the drawings presented are about "95%" complete.

Why it matters: The project is intended to create an accessible, multi‑generational destination with inclusive play equipment, fitness stations and new trails; board approval of the near‑final construction drawings allows staff to prepare to go out to bid once funding is in place.

Design and budget details

Consultants described site work and components the contractor will build: a compact playground footprint (roughly one‑third of an acre), perimeter walking paths designed to remain under 5% slope for ADA access, a new restroom building with three stalls in the women's restroom, two stalls plus a urinal in the men's, a family restroom and storage, planting with dune‑adapted native species, and an exercise area with fitness equipment. Ed Kolachek of JPR outlined structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical elements for the restroom building; Austin (Hitchcock Design Group) reviewed grading, erosion control and utility connections to water and sanitary lines.

Public comment at the meeting raised questions about the restroom building and the definition of "all‑inclusive." Resident Scott Mellon asked whether the cost of the restroom reduced the playground area and said he "thought we could get a lot more playground if we didn't have that building." Joel Baldwin and project staff responded that the restroom is replacing an existing facility in poor condition and that the family restroom with an adult changing station addresses needs for visitors with significant disabilities. Baldwin said the restroom portion of the budget was about $660,000 in current estimates and that the team was continuing value engineering to reduce costs.

Procurement and schedule risks

Consultants and staff discussed lead times and supply chain risk. Baldwin said some large custom playground pieces could have long lead times—"possibly 12 months"—and the team is considering purchasing long‑lead equipment ahead of final funding as a way to shorten the construction schedule, while acknowledging legal and procurement considerations. The manufacturer told consultants it could build and store custom pieces until delivery; staff said they would review payment and contract implications.

Baldwin estimated a typical construction duration of about six months from start to finish if materials are procured on a normal timeline, but added that pandemic‑era and tariff‑related supply delays could extend that.

Board action and next steps

A board member moved to approve the 95% construction drawings; the motion was seconded and carried with a voice vote. The approval authorizes staff to finalize construction documents and prepare for bidding once funding is secured. Staff said they remain in active fundraising and will determine the construction timetable when the remaining funds are committed.

Clarifying details and outstanding items

- Playground footprint: consultants said the playground and exercise area occupy about one‑third of an acre; board members noted that, functionally, the project occupies a larger portion of the corner of Fetters Alley. - Current funding gap: $1,400,000 (reported by staff at the meeting). - Restroom budget: cited estimate approximately $660,000 (presented by staff/consultants). - Accessibility elements: wheelchair ramps to the tower, adaptive chairs for zip line and swings, braille and tactile panels, sensory gardens and a quiet "box den" area for sensory‑sensitive users (described by consultants and project staff).

Board members and staff emphasized continued value engineering and fundraising before the city proceeds to bid and construction.