Parks Board OKs Zoological Society MOU, Approves Brew at the Zoo and Running Wild 5K Licenses
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Summary
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 approved a 2026 MOU with the Michigan City Zoological Society that keeps vet support and adds new revenue-sharing and volunteer requirements; the board also approved licenses for Brew at the Zoo and the Running Wild 5K and several routine finance items.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Michigan City Zoological Society and signed off on licenses for two signature zoo events, Brew at the Zoo and the Running Wild 5K.
Superintendent Shannon told the board the MOU preserves "up to $25,000 per year for vet cost and animal care" and adds a requirement that the society donate 10% of net proceeds from events held on city property. The society also agreed to increase its annual membership donation from 35% to 40% and to follow a new volunteer staffing framework to reduce the burden on city staff, Shannon said. "I would recommend that you approve the MOU as presented," Shannon said.
Board members voted by voice to approve the MOU. The board then reviewed event licenses required under the MOU. Staff described Brew at the Zoo as a long-standing fundraiser that typically draws 275–325 attendees and allows up to 400 tickets. For that event the board again approved waiving parking fees because proceeds benefit the zoo. The Running Wild 5K license was approved with staff explaining that race participants will receive a parking validation code under the planned automated parking system.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Feb. 4 minutes: motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried. - Approval of 2026 Michigan City Zoological Society MOU: motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried. - Approval of 2026 Brew at the Zoo license agreement: motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried. - Approval of 2026 Running Wild 5K license agreement: motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried. - Approval of Resolution No. 1087 (intra-departmental transfer): motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried. - Approval of claims docket ($41,409.80), payroll (total $70,992.92) and a minor zoo-fund transfer ($610): each motion moved and seconded; voice votes carried.
Why it matters The MOU and event licenses formalize the financial and operational relationship between the parks department and the Zoological Society for 2026. The volunteer staffing agreement and the society's increased donation share are intended to reduce staff workload and boost zoo revenues; the board also approved routine fiscal housekeeping, including a small intra-departmental transfer to cover unanticipated expenses.
The meeting record shows the board handled the items by voice vote without extended debate. The superintendent and staff described the events and the MOU terms to the board and recommended approval; motions were moved and seconded and each item carried.
What’s next The MOU and event licenses take effect for 2026 events as written; the board will see related operational details — including the automated parking regulations referenced for race-day parking — at a future meeting.
