Board approves concept for Washington Park mobile lemonade cart; agreement to be finalized July 1

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on June 17 approved in concept a proposal to allow a mobile lemonade cart to operate along the Washington Park boardwalk, clearing the way for a vendor to begin permitting work ahead of a finalized license agreement.

Daniel Armstrong, who said he has sourced the cart and recipe and has been in touch with the health inspector, told the board he could be ready to operate “within I say a week and a half” if given assurance to proceed. He described a 4-by-6 to 4-by-7 cart with a built-in generator and the ability to operate on sand or the boardwalk.

Board members discussed local ordinances that require a 300-foot separation from established restaurants, the exclusive use of the North Point Pavilion by concession tenant Zorn, and how to avoid direct competition with that operator. Members also debated fee structures: the existing food-truck fee of $100 per day was described as heavy for a small cart, and one board member suggested a $50 daily fee or another scaled/licensing option for smaller vendors.

Because the city already uses a food-truck agreement template, the board instructed staff to adapt that form (removing “food truck” and inserting “cart” as appropriate), set an appropriate fee, and return the modified license for approval at the July 1, 2026 meeting. The board approved the concept by voice vote.

The board also discussed operational details such as scheduled days, how daily fees would be collected and tracked, and the need for a clear pilot approach so the city can manage demand if additional carts apply. Daniel Armstrong said he is willing to cooperate with the park schedule and weather-dependent operations.

Next steps: staff will prepare a modified license agreement and fee recommendation for the July 1 board meeting so the vendor can complete permitting and health-inspection requirements before operating.