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Mishawaka parks staff report busy summer: Miracle Field turf, major events, 864 volunteer hours and identified vandalism
Summary
Staff reported the Miracle Field turf installation and July 18 ribbon-cutting, strong event attendance (Mish Bike Night ~800), pool opening income of about $8,000, 864 volunteer hours in May (estimated $11,000 labor value), and that a vehicle that damaged North Park turf has been identified.
Parks staff delivered a broad operations report highlighting this summer's slate of programs, a near-term capital completion, strong event turnout and a vandalism incident at North Park.
Staff announced Miracle Field turf installation was scheduled to be completed the next day, with stadium bleachers to be installed on Monday and fencing and playground turf work expected by mid-week. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project is planned for July 18 at 11:00 a.m.
Staff reported a busy events calendar: weekly markets with about 72 vendors, Retro Fest and Food Truck Fridays, a Taylor Swift–themed event planned for July, and the summer concert series. Mish Bike Night drew an estimated 800 people and downtown parking was full by 6:15 p.m. One staff member said the city has over 500 guests and about $8,000 in revenue from a recent pool opening weekend; 55 season passes were sold during that opening.
Operations and volunteer programs were highlighted: a spring plant sale raised roughly $1,100; the greenhouse garden club engaged six students and created plantings and two free little libraries; Adopt-a-Park volunteer teams donated 864 hours in May — staff estimated replacing that labor would cost approximately $11,000. The department has shifted some spending from mulch to more planting this season.
Staff reported the city located a vehicle that drove donuts on turf at North Park while children were present; the vehicle was identified from video footage and the city is pursuing costs to repair the damaged turf.
The department also reported hires and staffing: a new mechanic, Michael Lockwood, has joined maintenance and a full seasonal crew was hired to address delayed spring projects. Staff noted ongoing work at Jordan Wily Park (grading for upcoming artificial turf and tubing elements) and other seasonal maintenance tasks.
The reports ended with reminders of upcoming events (Bonefest, Retro Fest, Independence Day celebration on June 27) and ongoing camp and feeding-program logistics. Camp staff reported the 10–12-year-old camp was moved to Mayfield so campers can swim daily.
