Michigan City park board adopts 2026 golf fees and contracts after staff clarifications

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted Oct. 15 to adopt the department's proposed 2026 golf fees and related contracts, after board members and staff discussed refund policy for season passes, when passes are valid and pricing differences for individual play versus group outings.

Board members debated several administrative details before taking the unanimous voice vote recorded as "motion carried." The motion to accept the 2026 golf fees and contracts was made and seconded during the meeting; the board did not read a roll-call vote in the public record.

Why it matters: The fee schedule sets user charges for both the North and South golf courses, affects revenue for parks operations and clarifies rules guests will follow during the playing season.

Board discussion and staff responses Staff described a proposed change to the season-pass refund policy and the scope of pass validity. One attendee asked whether the policy could prorate refunds when a pass holder dies after June 1; staff said they would be open to prorating in such circumstances and that some situations "warrant handling things differently." The board did not adopt a written change to the refund deadline at the meeting; staff indicated they would follow up.

On pass validity, a board member asked that the policy more clearly state that passes are valid only during regular business hours so people do not assume access before course staff open gates. Staff confirmed the course is fenced and gates are opened and locked with staff arrival and departure.

Members also queried apparent rate inconsistencies in the fee table, noting a likely transposed number in one 9-hole rate (weekday vs. weekend). Staff acknowledged the possible typo and said they would review the published rate table.

Outings and beverage service The board heard details about outing fees and logistics. Staff explained that blocking the South Course for large outings requires a minimum number of players (the department aims for 120–144 players for its largest outings) and that weekday outing pricing can be higher than individual play depending on course and services. For the North Course — a par-3 layout used for smaller events — staff said blocking requirements and participant limits differ from the larger South Course.

Staff described the department—s beverage-cart operations for outings. The carts are run by city employees who are on the clock under the city's liquor license; employees must complete responsible-service training. The department charges a fee to have a beverage cart on-site and offers hosts the option to prepay for beer by the case or buy a la carte.

Private cart storage Staff said privately owned carts are grandfathered: the department stores three privately owned carts on property; one longtime resident pays a trail fee and stores a cart at the barn. The department is not accepting additional privately owned carts or offering winter storage at the facility for those carts.

Outcome and next steps The board approved the 2026 golf fees and contracts by voice vote. Staff will review the fee table for typographical errors and follow up on the family-refund/proration question and any formal wording about pass hours to ensure the published policy matches the department—s intent.

Quotes "I would be okay with that. Obviously, certain circumstances warrant handling things differently," a golf staff member said when asked about prorating refunds for deaths after June 1.

Ending Board members asked staff to return corrected fee language and any clarified refund policy at a future meeting or through administrative channels so the published materials reflect the board's direction.