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Council approves appropriations to move forward with Fetters Alley ‘Destination Playground’ after donors pledge support
Summary
The Michigan City Common Council unanimously approved additional riverboat-fund appropriations to advance a roughly $5.5 million inclusive playground in Fetters Alley after sponsors described accessible features and presenters outlined private and federal commitments; the city will provide a $600,000 "last-in" appropriation while fundraising continues.
The Michigan City Common Council on March 17 unanimously approved an additional appropriation from the riverboat fund to advance construction of a proposed “Destination Playground” in Fetters Alley, a project sponsors described as roughly $5.5 million and designed to be fully accessible to children and adults of all abilities.
Council sponsors described the $600,000 request as “last-in” funding intended to complete the project's financing if needed. Council remarks stressed accessible design features, a phased new changing bathroom to replace an outdated facility and a walking trail integrated with landscaping; sponsors said no trees would be removed.
“We looked at a lot of parks and we took note of what we liked and what we didn’t like,” the ordinance sponsor said, urging colleagues to support a project he called “exciting” and accessible for people with disabilities. Shannon Eason, Parks superintendent, called the project emotional and said it reflects community values. “This is an emotional project of our community,” Eason said in public comment.
Presenters and community partners outlined fundraising already pledged or promised. Chris Pate, president and CEO of United Way of La Porte County, told the council United Way would contribute $25,000 toward a merry-go-round and highlighted county disability statistics to justify an inclusive playground. Council remarks also referenced a $1 million congressional community-project allocation and multiple local pledges, with council members naming the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, the Health Foundation of La Porte County, the Doolin Health Council and the Human Rights Commission as donors or prospective donors. Sponsors noted a $250,000 maintenance fund from the Health Foundation intended to support long-term upkeep.
Several residents and stakeholders spoke in favor during the public hearing, citing benefits for physical and mental health, tourism and inclusion. One resident said the playground would let children and adults with different abilities play together and noted the project’s potential economic boost.
The council first approved suspending the rules to allow 2nd and 3rd readings in one meeting; after the public hearing (where no opponents appeared), members voted to adopt the ordinance on 3rd reading. The final recorded vote was 8–0 in favor.
What happens next: sponsors said the city will proceed with procurement and bidding to meet schedule targets; council members noted continuing fundraising and that some private donations might reduce or eliminate the city’s eventual contribution. The ordinance directs the controller to appropriate funds as specified for construction and related outlays.
Authorities and documents: the ordinance was introduced and read by title during the March 17 meeting; public notice and hearing were advertised in the Herald Dispatch on March 4, 2026, according to the clerk’s reading. The council recorded the appropriation on a riverboat-fund account specified during the meeting.
Funding and fiscal notes: sponsors described the $600,000 appropriation as a potential last-in contribution. Several speakers provided specific donation amounts on the record (congressional $1,000,000; Redevelopment Commission and Health Foundation figures described by council members as $500,000 each; Doolin Health Council $50,000; Human Rights Commission $200,000; United Way $25,000; a $250,000 maintenance grant noted by the parks superintendent). Council remarks and totals given in the meeting contained inconsistencies; the council action reflects the appropriation approved at the meeting, not an audit of the full funding package.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified by the role or name used on the meeting record: Council sponsors and the parks superintendent spoke at length during the ordinance debate and public hearing. The council will return to normal procurement and project-implementation steps as the next procedural activity.
