The Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety approved several parks and events items during its Jan. 5 meeting, including a small land purchase for a trail project, sponsorship agreements and a short road closure for a fundraising 5K.

Sheena Neeson, park superintendent, told the board the city needs 37 parcels to complete phase 3 of the Singing Sands Trail; acquiring Parcel 13 from Lakeside Cottages as a permanent easement on Victory Street would bring the city to 14 of 37 parcels. Neeson said the parcel is "less than four‑tenths of an acre" and the purchase price is $2,500. After brief public comment there was a motion to approve the purchase and the board approved the easement acquisition.

Eric Williams, director of Michigan City Special Events, presented two returning sponsorships for the 2026 season: a $20,000 premier sponsorship from the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a $10,000 gold sponsorship from NIPSCO. Williams said those two commitments bring events sponsorship revenue to $50,000 toward a $100,000 goal and that the city has 11 confirmed events for 2026, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade (March 14), an Easter egg hunt (April 4), the Food and Music Festival (May), Juneteenth and the July 4 fireworks.

Race the Region representative Ali Brown requested a brief road closure on March 21 in front of Marquette High School for the Lucky Charms 5K start/finish. Brown said the organizer would provide barricades and timing equipment and expected the closure to last about an hour; the board noted organizers were obtaining an updated certificate of insurance. The board approved the lane/road closure. Several public commenters asked whether the city charges an application or closure fee; staff said the Board of Works does not have authority to set an application fee — such fees require a common council ordinance — and that any small cleanup fees could apply if the city incurred overtime or cleanup costs.

The approvals allow the parks and events departments to move forward with acquisition and planning for the 2026 season. Staff said they will continue to refine scheduling and sponsorship targets as additional commitments are sought.