Votes at a glance: Parks board approves golf merchandise appropriation, mural, forest MOU and program fees

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on April 16 approved a series of motions and one resolution that authorize budget changes, contracts and new programming for 2025.

Key approvals included: a $75,000 appropriation to buy merchandise for resale in the Golf Pro Shop (resolution no. 1067), adoption of the 2025 golf lesson fee schedule, a $15,000 ARPA-funded artist agreement for a ground mural and interactive play surface at Water Tower Park, an Old Growth Forest Network memorandum of understanding for Memorial Park, and a pilot girls open gym program.

Resolution 1067: The board read and approved resolution 1067, which transfers $75,000 from the golf nonreverting fund balance into a golf pro merchandise line so the department can purchase inventory for resale in the pro shop. The resolution directs the superintendent to seek the mayor’s concurrence and to present the appropriation ordinance to the Michigan City Common Council in the manner required by law. The packet noted the city previously used a consignment agreement with St. Andrews and that the appropriation had not been included in the adopted 2025 budget.

Golf lesson fees: The board approved the new fee schedule presented by staff. The schedule sets one-hour lessons at $75 per person, a three-lesson series at $180, and a five-lesson series at $250. Staff told the board lesson revenue will be recorded as city revenue and returned to the golf course budget, and that youth or group discounts could be considered during the pro’s 30-day evaluation.

Water Tower Park artist agreement: The board approved an agreement with artist Felix Maldonado for a ground-level mural and interactive play area at Water Tower Park. The project is paid from ARPA neighborhood beautification funds and carries a total project cost the packet listed as $15,000. The mural will be about 82 by 40 feet and include game elements such as large checker or chess squares and bike/remote-car lanes.

Old Growth Forest Network MOU: The board approved joining the national Old Growth Forest Network for Memorial Park, which the packet described as a 33-acre stand with deed restrictions that require it remain natural. The Parks Department said the Department of Natural Resources produced a stewardship report (cited as conducted in 2012) that labeled the site a high-quality forest. The MOU commits the city to keep the forest natural and undeveloped; staff said the deed restriction already carries that requirement.

Girls open gym pilot: The board approved a pilot girls open gym program, proposed by board member Keisha Ward, to provide women and girls dedicated gym time. The program was discussed as a pilot with three initial dates and the potential to expand if successful.

Administrative and financial items: The board also approved the city claims docket and payroll reports presented at the meeting, accepted several donations (including a $922.53 online zoo donation and multiple YBL sponsorships) and authorized payment of zoo endowment invoices for fence repairs.

Voice votes carried most items; the meeting record does not show individual roll-call tallies for these approvals. The board’s approvals direct staff to implement contracts and budget transfers and to present required appropriations to the Michigan City Common Council where the law requires further action.