Huntingburg City redevelopment commission approves up to $190,000 in TIF funds for playground upgrades

Huntingburg City’s Redevelopment Commission approved an amendment to the tax-increment-financing (TIF) spending plan to make up to $190,000 available for replacing and consolidating playground equipment in city parks.

Mayor said the city has sourced pricing from a familiar vendor and is pursuing a plan to consolidate play areas so younger and older children can play in closer proximity where parents can better supervise them. “All the park equipment that we buy for the playground is coming in at 50% off,” the Mayor said, noting the city had applied for a grant or program that reduces the equipment cost.

The Mayor told commissioners that some existing playground pieces are difficult to get replacement parts for and could become unsafe over time. “We can’t get parts for it anymore; [equipment] will start to come in dangerous eventually and get worn,” the Mayor said, and recommended replacing or consolidating older equipment into larger, safer play areas.

Commission members discussed that funds previously allocated for the senior center but not encumbered had returned to the TIF and could be reallocated to the parks project. The chair introduced the amendment “not to exceed $190,000” for the parks department; the motion was moved and approved by voice vote.

The commission directed that the signed paperwork be routed for signatures and the clerk/treasurer’s office handle final encumbrance and paperwork. The commission noted the project would be implemented with the vendor plan under consideration and that staff would return with any necessary procurement details at a later date.

The commission set its next meeting for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.