Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board members voted May 7 to approve an emergency special-purchase repair of the Patriot Park press box after staff said the structure had shifted and sustained water damage that rotted floor joists and part of the stairwell.

"What happened with the press box is it has shifted off its foundation. It also had some water damage on the upper level that has rotted through the floor and the floor joists, and part of the stairwell," Shannon Eason, park superintendent, told the board. The total cost, Eason said, is $36,700.

Staff said Patriot Park is open but the building is closed to the public while repairs proceed. The department sought bids beginning in October/November but received only one responsive bid; the city attorney reviewed the emergency procurement package on April 29. Under Indiana special-purchase rules staff must keep procurement records for five years and file them with the clerk's office.

Board members confirmed they had been shown the scope-of-work documents. After public comment and a brief discussion the board moved to accept the special-purchase request; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Park staff will retain email records showing other contractors declined to bid and will proceed with the single qualified contractor to complete repairs and restore safe public access.