Michiana council, Tree Board detail park lawn, irrigation, new trees and butterfly garden plans

Michiana council members and the Tree Board reported updates on park landscaping, new irrigation and related plantings during the Oct. 11 meeting.

Council member Mike Mumper said he is pleased with the new lawn and described a maintenance schedule that includes one mowing and a round of fertilizing this fall and another in spring; staff will continue existing mowing, leaf clean‑up and tree watering and council indicated residents will not face additional maintenance costs. Mumper said the village is working with contractor Down to Earth on the park’s new irrigation system and that staff plan to install a new pump in November when usage is lower.

Tree Board member Nancy Thill reported that, under an MDNR grant, five trees were planted in the park on Sept. 25 by Sawyer Garden (a Black Gum, two Ironwood, one Dogwood and one Sugar Maple). Metal fencing has been placed to protect the young trees from deer. Thill also said she met with Pizzo Gardens and the Michiana Women’s Club about a Monarch Watch registration and certification for a proposed butterfly garden; the Garden Club volunteers have offered planting support and put forward a proposal to include native plant borders where herbicide treatment cleared an area.

Street Superintendent Rick Reitz and staff have installed cable wiring to extend Wi‑Fi to the pavilion and courts to support vendors and resident connectivity during events. Leaf pick‑up will begin at the end of the month. The minutes indicate plans for continued coordination on irrigation testing and routine water‑system work before more significant installations are performed.