Gary parks board hears updates on lifeguards, facilities and summer programs

City parks staff told the Gary Board of Park Commissioners on June 9 that summer operations are underway: buoys and lifeguard towers are installed at the beach, new equipment is in place at Hudson Campbell, and the city's youth summer programs launched June 8 with registration still open for ages 6–17.

Don, the parks maintenance representative, reported that "the buoys are out. Um, lifeguard towers are all up and running," and said Aquatics Director Jesse Thomas is spending significant time onboarding many new lifeguards: "he's pretty much on hands-on all the time with the kids right now until anything more until they get a little bit more experience." Don said the city expects a handicap-access mat to arrive this week to cover gravel paths and provide an accessible route to the beach.

Maintenance contractors are scheduled to mow parks on an alternating weekly basis and can be called in as-needed for events or rapid growth. Don also said poles incorrectly installed at Talston and Ironwood courts will be exchanged by vendor Rereath Riley so the city can repurpose the replaced poles in smaller parks and then purchase backboards.

Staff outlined a calendar of free public programs including a college-prep series at Talston Park Pavilion, an age-friendly bingo on the first Friday of each month and cardio line dancing. The parks director invited board members to visit Hudson Campbell and asked residents to take advantage of free offerings.