Community Estates residents press Munster board for neighborhood playground

Good evening. My name is Kristen Roland, and I live at 453 Lucy Lane," said Kristen Roland, a Community Estates resident, opening public comment and urging the board to move on a neighborhood park that residents say has been promised for months.

Residents told the Munster Park Board that a local family has offered land for a park and that immediate action is needed. "Kelly and her husband, David, shared that the town reached out once, but it has not progressed beyond that initial conversation," Roland said, adding that "there are more than 70 children who live in Community Estates" and asking for an update and next steps. Eric Johnston, another resident, said Community Estates has about 55 completed homes, many with young children, and asked the board for "a clear decision on the location, honest timeline for when construction can truly begin." Raj, who also lives in Community Estates, echoed those requests and asked whether any design sketches from engineers are available.

The board's staff member responded that town staff had contacted the Ganser family, who residents say offered a vacant parcel, but that progress has been delayed because the town's outside legal counsel resigned in the past month. The staff member said legal review is needed for land-acquisition paperwork and a possible memorandum of understanding before the town can accept a donated parcel or finalize a purchase. "That was an unanticipated delay," the staff member said, and added the town expects to select new permanent counsel in August, after which the parks department can resume land-instrument work.

Staff confirmed multiple playground vendors have submitted proposals and that equipment lead times typically run eight to 12 weeks after an order is placed, with installation taking another month or two depending on site work and landscaping removal. The parks staff also said the proposed park is reflected in Munster's master plan and that funding for capital improvements is available through existing bond-issue funds designated for capital projects.

The record contains inconsistent address references: residents said the donated parcel is at 443 Megan Way, while staff later referenced 444 Mega Place as a candidate site. The board will verify the correct parcel and report back. The parks board heard the public comments and indicated staff will follow up with the Ganser family, confirm the site, and resume procurement once legal instruments are in place. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.