Elkhart City Parks staff on Tuesday told the Park Board that Walker Park’s Russian Building is nearly complete, Winterfest and ice operations are planned for the winter, and several seasonal event metrics and ranger-statistics show lower usage in September compared with the prior month.

Parks staff said Walker Park’s Russian Building is about 97%–98% complete and that the project is delayed by an incorrect water fountain order and other minor items. Staff said they hope to open the facility around Nov. 1.

"Walker Park Russian Building is 97% done, 98% done. They just have a couple things... We are hoping that November 1 is, the time that it'll be open," a parks staff member said during the department report.

Staff said NIBCO Ice & Waterpark is transitioning from roller skating to ice skating and will open ice operations as part of Winterfest on Dec. 6. Woodlawn Nature Center will mark its 60th anniversary on Nov. 1, with a dedication and proclamation scheduled at noon.

Events staff reported the outdoor farmers market averaged about 2,500 attendees per week this season and the first indoor market at High Dive drew about 750 attendees with 19 vendors. Island Park’s annual "trunk or treat" event drew just over 2,400 attendees.

"The outdoor farmer's market finished strong with an average of 2,500 attendees per week," Amanda, reporting on events, said.

Parks staff also reported volunteer impact: $30,000 in volunteer-hours-equivalent impact so far in 2025, and ongoing foundation fundraising work for Olry Park and a planned pavilion and splash-pad sponsorships.

In the ranger report, staff recorded 3,853 counted patrons in the parks for September, down from 5,566 the prior month (a 31% decline). Ranger engagements were 4,232 in September versus 5,976 previously (a 29% decline). Staff suggested cooler temperatures and seasonal cadence as contributing factors.

Rangers also documented property damage incidents and first-aid assists in September, and noted ongoing river cleanup work related to discarded green barrels. Staff emphasized the new bolted receptacles should reduce litter entering the river.

Staff said they expect more procurement items and contract finalizations in the November agenda as they encumber funds for end-of-year work.