Vigo County parks report $312,009.68 in camping revenue; staff cite vandalism, capital work and event growth

Vigo County parks staff reported that the department has collected $312,009.68 so far this year from camping, shelter and barn rentals and summarized recent events, vandalism incidents and ongoing capital projects.

The update, delivered by parks staff during a departmental report, said Pioneer Days drew heavy attendance—"we estimated about 900 cars were parked for the event," a parks staff member said—and generated $4,466 in parking revenue. Staff also reported combined proceeds of about $22,809 from recent seasonal events, and noted that preregistration for Fowler Park After Dark sold roughly 100 tickets online, which staff said streamlined entry and operations.

The financial figures matter because camping and event revenue offsets operational costs and funds maintenance. "$312,009.68 is what we've made on camping, shelter, and barn rentals," a parks staff member said, adding that Fowler Park has historically led the department in camping revenue and that Hawthorne Park closed the gap this year (staff reported figures in the meeting as approximately $95,000 and $92,000). Parks staff said direct-water sites are especially popular and routinely book on weekends.

Staff also reported repeated vandalism and theft at Reubel Park, including stolen solar lights and stolen security cameras. "They stole our cameras that were out there," a parks staff member said, describing tagging, ripped-down fencing, dumped construction materials and continued damage concentrated in the middle parking lot and western lots. Crews have repainted signage and plan to increase security measures; staff said they will consider different camera placement and other deterrents.

Capital projects and volunteer events were part of the report. Parks staff said they received a permit to build a trail connection between the Butterfly Garden and the Wabashiki Trail and that a designer for a Fowler Park disc-golf course is scheduled to visit; staff said installation work needs to be finished by about next August. A tree-planting volunteer day is scheduled for Nov. 15 and is being led by Trees Inc. under a grant that staff said will satisfy mitigation requirements related to fence removal and other work.

Griffin Bike Park opened its new building on Oct. 17, staff said, and the department held a ribbon-cutting that included musical performances. Staff reported progress on vendor areas and said final construction bills are arriving. Work on a pump track with Groundworks remains incomplete and staff said it may not be finished this year. Because the funds were encumbered, parks staff said they may need to return to county council next year to request re-appropriation depending on guidance from the auditor's office.

On maintenance, staff said funds have been encumbered to crack-seal Fowler, Hawthorne and Prairie Creek parks. The department also reported progress installing tee pads and bridges for Frisbee (disc) golf at Prairie Creek Park and plans to begin trail work at Fowler Park.

The report addressed an enforcement case in which a camper confronted a gate attendant about policy violations; staff said the sheriff's office responded, the individuals were trespassed, and the department will not refund that reservation. Parks staff said they will contest chargebacks they judge to be fraudulent and will reinforce the department's no-refund policy in those circumstances.

Staffing and wages were discussed: parks staff said part-time year-round employees are slated to be paid $18 per hour and seasonal employees $15 per hour, and that the county council is scheduled to vote on salary ordinances in November.

Staff closed by noting continued planning for a West Central Indiana Outdoor Expo (targeted for April 2026), thanking volunteers and donors, and inviting tours of Griffin Bike Park. The department said it will continue to monitor vandalism, complete capital work as funding allows, and follow up with the county auditor and council on any necessary appropriations.