Council approves park irrigation and hydroseeding project capped at $40,000

The Village of Michiana Council on Sept. 6 approved a park lawn upgrade that includes irrigation, regrading and hydroseeding, authorizing work by Down to Earth and Serviscape with a combined project cap amended to "not to exceed a total of $40,000." Councilmember Mike Mumper presented the contracts, citing timing concerns related to weather and seeding success.

Mumper proposed two bids—Down to Earth for $19,000 and Serviscape for $20,260—and amended his motion at the meeting to set a $40,000 ceiling. The motion passed on a roll-call vote, 5–0. The council recorded that an anonymous resident plans to make a substantial donation toward the lawn project and that budgeted capital-improvement funds will also be used.

Council members said the newly seeded area will be fenced and closed until spring to allow the grass to establish. The council noted the playground and the pickleball court will remain open during the work, but access routes will shift: entrances will be along the front of Cherokee and through the basketball area. Mumper said he will oversee the project and its irrigation timers and zones to maintain useability for summer events.

The park work is part of broader Village Hall and park improvements discussed at the meeting, including fundraising through sales of historical wagon-wheel light fixtures and limited-edition Michiana posters to support renovations.