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Muncie Park Board approves multiple community events and waives fees for neighborhood gatherings
Summary
The Muncie Park and Recreation Board approved event requests and fee waivers for several community organizations, including a National Day of Prayer gathering, a neighborhood festival and a company picnic; members pressed organizers for clearer security plans for larger concerts.
The Muncie Park and Recreation Board on April 21 approved a series of event applications and granted fee waivers for community groups, while requesting further details from organizers of larger concerts on security and attendance estimates.
Joseph, representing Shepherd's Heart and Hands Inc., asked to hold a National Day of Prayer gathering at McCulloch Park on May 9 with an expected 50–75 attendees and requested a shelter, two portable toilets and a small stage. After brief discussion about previous in‑kind support and the event’s nonprofit, noncommercial nature, the board moved to waive the fee and approved the request by voice vote.
"No agenda, no money, no profits, just... pastors, leaders, anyone who wants to come and pray," Joseph said when describing the event’s purpose.
The board also approved an Old National Bank employee picnic for June 27 at shelter one at the beach, expected to draw 40–50 people. The application was approved by voice vote; Council member Ashley Wright recorded an abstention during the vote.
The board considered a larger request from America’s Hometown Band to use Westside Park for three summer concerts (June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20) with estimated attendance of 100–300. Members agreed to tentatively hold the dates but asked the organizers to provide a more specific projected attendance figure and a security plan before final approval.
A final action approved a Holtzman Village Neighborhood Association gathering planned for June 13 (11 a.m.–3 p.m., rain date June 27). The association requested extra porta‑potties, trash toters and a fee waiver; the board approved the event and granted the fee waiver by voice vote.
Board members said they strive to be equitable in granting waivers and asked staff to review past practice for neighborhood groups before formalizing future in‑kind support.
The board did not set specific security requirements for the concerts at the meeting but signaled that larger events will need clearer plans and, in some cases, contracted security to proceed.
The board adjourned after routine closing business; no additional votes on event fees were scheduled at the meeting.
