Parks board approves library picnic, charity runathon, fishing clinic and Movies in the Park series

The Elkhart Parks Board and Recreation on March 17 approved several community event permits and programming requests for spring and summer 2026.

Jordan Bronkey, representing the Elkhart Public Library and chair of its staff fun committee, asked the board to donate the McNaughton Pavilion for the library’s staff picnic on April 25; the board granted the request by voice vote.

An organizer identified as Travis requested use of Walker Park for the sixth annual runathon, a fundraiser that donates 100% of proceeds to Faith Mission. The board approved the permit and discussed logistics; a board member noted restrooms at Walker Park are locked early and staff said Buildings and Grounds would coordinate unlocking for a setup starting around 4:00 a.m.

Staff described a kids’ free fishing clinic at Hi‑Dive Park on June 6, run in partnership with the Elkhart Environmental Center, and said the program plans to distribute roughly 350 free fishing poles and lures. Board members asked staff to emphasize "free" in event marketing; the permit for the clinic was approved by voice vote.

The board also approved a five‑date Movies in the Park series across five districts with titles and dates scheduled from June through August, including Zootopia 2 (Central Green, June 5) and a new release scheduled for Aug. 7 at Ellery Edith Park to coincide with a ribbon‑cutting weekend.

Approvals were handled by voice vote; staffing, access and marketing tasks were assigned to Parks staff for follow up.