Board approves trail change orders, West Ball Field work to begin and Coffee Creek boardwalk moves into design phase

The Chesterton Parks Board voted to approve two change orders for the Prairie Duneland Trail repaving and heard updates on several park bond projects.

Tyler, a parks staff member, told the board the west ball fields renovation is slated to begin next week, weather permitting, and that crews started resurfacing the tennis and basketball courts at Wasam Park earlier in the day. He said the resurfacing crew is power-washing, filling cracks and applying an acrylic surface and new striping, and that work should be finished this week.

On the Prairie Duneland Trail, Tyler said the trail opened for public use May 22 but crews identified additional grade and material needs after cement stabilization work. He said the board received two change orders for approval: a wedge-and-level asphalt adjustment for $19,638.50 and topsoil/backfill for $12,425. The board discussed the need for the repairs and approved both change orders.

Tyler also reported that the town signed and submitted a grant agreement with the Lake Michigan Coastal Program for Coffee Creek boardwalk improvements; the agreement is now moving through state and federal signature processes. He said the project will require construction and flood-plain permits and that, as a result, actual construction is unlikely this year. Staff will issue an RFP for design services while awaiting fully executed grant paperwork.

The board approved the change orders and other consent items by motion and voice vote. No individual votes were recorded on the public record.