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Parks board approves Millennium Plaza demolition planning, senior‑center transfer and zoo strategic plan
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Summary
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Jan. 7 accepted a design proposal and professional services agreement for Millennium Plaza demolition (paid from rainy‑day funds), approved Resolution 1085 transferring senior‑center funds, adopted the Washington Park Zoo 2026–2035 strategic plan and approved community program and finance items.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Jan. 7 accepted a proposal from Haas and Associates for design and engineering services to prepare demolition and bidding documents for Millennium Plaza and approved a corresponding professional-services agreement.
Staff said the demolition planning will be funded from the city’s rainy‑day fund, a fund the city council approved on Dec. 2. Board members discussed finish options for the plaza site; staff said the specifications will include a concrete central ring where the fountain stood, with paving bricks as an alternate bid.
The board also approved Resolution No. 1085, a retroactive internal transfer of funds within the Parks Department to cover unanticipated senior‑center expenses. The resolution listed several line‑item decreases and increases (packet language), and the board carried the motion by roll call.
On parks programming and operations, the board approved the Washington Park Zoo 2026–2035 strategic plan. Zoo director Jamie House could not attend; staff reviewed the plan and board members praised its thoroughness.
The board approved a Quilting Club application to use Krieger Memorial Hall, including a one‑time seed fund for starter supplies, and accepted a concession‑lease proposal process update for the Northpointe Pavilion; staff said negotiations with JVP Hospitality of Indiana (owner John Pruen) remain ongoing.
Finance motions carried: the claims docket for Jan. 7 totaling $11,372.03 was approved; the board approved minor transfers within senior‑center and maintenance funds; and credit‑card charges totaling $213.40 for zoo program supplies and craft materials were authorized.
What happens next: staff will advertise the Millennium Plaza demolition bid package once drawings are complete, and the zoo strategic plan will be implemented by zoo staff with follow‑up reporting to the board.
