Muncie parks board weighs camera and key‑fob system for North Shore campground; vendor says install ~ $14,000

The Muncie Parks and Recreation Board on Aug. 19 heard plans to add a camera and key‑fob door system at the North Shore campground restrooms at Prairie Creek Reservoir to reduce vandalism and reduce unauthorized use.

The system described by the board’s security consultant would place a single camera to cover the restroom entry area and install card readers so the men’s and women’s restrooms are locked 24/7 unless opened by an authorized key fob. Sam, a representative of the security vendor, said the install package and hardware were approved at about $14,000 and that parts are expected to arrive in mid‑September.

Board members and staff said the work is intended to reduce confrontations encountered by park staff and to give staff a way to review footage if police are called. “The project we’re beginning at the North Shore Campground bathroom is for 1 camera to watch that kind of awning and entry area, and then to get both of those doors… on a key card reader,” Sam said during the meeting.

Why it matters: Prairie Creek is self‑funded and has seen increasing calls for security at the campground. Staff and the vendor said the…