Lakeside Life

Welcome!

Hello Lakeside Life Readers,

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Lakeside Life, the brand-new monthly newsletter from the Parks and Recreation Department. We are thrilled to bring you this publication, designed to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with all the happenings in our vibrant community.

Each month, Lakeside Life will feature a variety of columns that cover a wide range of topics. You’ll find updates from our parks and recreation department, including the latest news from Washington Park Zoo, golf updates, and highlights from our senior center.

We’ll also keep you posted on our recreational programs and upcoming events, so you can plan your calendar and make the most of what our community has to offer.

But that’s not all! We’ll also bring you fun and engaging articles on our dedicated staff, the wonderful animals that call our zoo home, the beauty and diversity of our parks, and the facilities available for rent.

Lakeside Life is more than just a newsletter; it’s a celebration of our community, our people, and the natural beauty that surrounds us. We hope it will inspire you to explore, participate, and appreciate the lakeside life even more.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you. Here’s to the start of something beautiful!

Meet the Team!

We’d like to introduce you to our dedicated team at the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department. This month, we’re excited to highlight our administration, department heads, and key staff members who work tirelessly to make our community a better place.

Superintendent
Shannon Eason

• Years with the Department: 29

• Time in Current Position: 8 months

• Staff Members Overseen: Entire department, 30 employees

We are thrilled to spotlight Shannon, whose strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in enhancing our parks and recreational services. As a dedicated grant writer for the Parks and Recreation Department, Shannon’s passion for our parks shines through in every project she undertakes. Her recent work on the restoration and rededication of the Old Bandstand in Washington Park is a testament to her commitment to preserving our community’s heritage.

Shannon’s involvement extends beyond her role, as she actively participates in numerous committees, including the Michigan City Public Art Committee and the Trail Creek Watershed Committee. Her extensive experience and deep knowledge of both our parks and the city make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are incredibly grateful to have such a wonderful superintendent leading the way.

Assistant Superintendent
William Walker

• Time in Current Position: 9 months

• Staff Members Overseen: Entire department, 30 employees

William, our Assistant Superintendent, has been a cornerstone of our department, bringing innovative ideas and a passion for community engagement. Under his leadership, we’ve seen the expansion of our recreation department and the creation of many new programs. His efforts have revitalized youth basketball through drop-in clinics and launched the successful “Bike the City” program. William’s creativity shines through in events like our popular Murder Mystery Dinner and the upcoming comedy show.

A former professional basketball player, William has deep community ties and a knack for collaboration. His partnerships with entities like the local YMCA have been instrumental in making projects happen. In less than a year with the parks department, his enthusiasm and dedication have already made a significant impact. Additionally, William runs his own nonprofit, further demonstrating his commitment to community service.

We are fortunate to have such a dynamic and dedicated individual as part of our team.

Park Maintenance Director
Pat Voltz

• Years with the Department: 26

• Years in Current Position: 4

• Staff Members Overseen: 11 full-time, 15 seasonal

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re about to introduce the legend himself – Pat Voltz, our Park Maintenance Director extraordinaire! Pat’s dedication to keeping our parks in tip-top shape is nothing short of heroic. Every blade of grass, every park bench, and every ‘no dogs allowed’ sign owes its pristine condition to his magic touch.

But wait, there’s more! Pat isn’t just a maintenance maestro; he’s also the go-to guy for the office staff when we can’t find the hidden outlet in our office. From trash dumping to major events, he does it all. Pat’s got it covered with the precision of a Swiss watch. And if you think our rental facilities look good, you can thank Pat for that too – he’s got them glimmering like the waters of Lake Michigan.

Now, let’s talk about Pat’s secret weapon: his sense of humor. This guy could crack up a stone! Whether he’s cracking jokes, sharing funny stories, or just spreading good vibes, Pat’s quick wit and his willingness to help anyone make our parks and department a great place to be.

And let’s not forget his amazing team! Pat leads his crew with the perfect blend of guidance and humor, making sure everyone’s on their toes and having a good time while they work. His staff not only fears respects him but also enjoys every minute of working under his leadership.

So, next time you’re enjoying our lovely parks, give a nod to Pat Voltz – the man, the myth, the legend.

Zoo Director
Jamie Huss

• Years with the Department: 34

• Years in Current Position: 9

• Staff Members Overseen: 10 full-time, 9 seasonal

We are proud to introduce Jamie Huss, our esteemed Zoo Director at Washington Park Zoo. Jamie’s journey with us began as a volunteer in 1988, and her dedication has seen her rise through the ranks to become the Zoo Director in September 2015. Her extensive experience includes roles as Assistant Director, Interim Zoo Director, Zoo Curator, and Keeper, showcasing her deep commitment and expertise in animal care and zoo management.

Jamie is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Zookeepers, the American Zoo Association, and the Zoological Association of America. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge is evident through her numerous certifications and attendance at regional and national conferences.

Her technical skills and achievements are vast, from developing keeper training manuals to co-authoring research papers and managing the zoo’s animal collection. Jamie has also been instrumental in creating and planning zoo events, starting an internship program, and maintaining the zoo’s website and social media presence.

With over 20 years of experience in rearing various zoo and wildlife infants, Jamie’s hands-on approach and leadership skills have been invaluable. She oversees volunteers, interns, and staff, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and customer service.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Jamie’s expertise and passion guiding our zoo, making it a cherished part of our community.

Senior Center Director
Tara Miller

• Years in Current Position: 22

• Staff Members Overseen: 2

Meet Tara Miller, our engaging and charismatic Director of the Michigan City Senior Center. Tara’s unwavering dedication to our senior community ensures a vibrant and engaging environment for all.

With a passion for creating meaningful experiences, Tara works tirelessly to provide a wide range of activities and programs that cater to the diverse interests of our members. Her warm and approachable nature makes everyone feel welcome and valued.

Stop by the Senior Center to meet Tara and discover the exciting opportunities she has in store. Whether you’re looking to join a new class, participate in an event, or simply enjoy some good company, Tara is here to make your experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Golf Course Greens Superintendent
Mychal Moore

• Years with the Department: 28 years

• Years in Current Position: 1 year

• Staff Members Overseen: 10

We are thrilled to introduce Mychal, our dedicated Golf Course Greens Superintendent. With unparalleled expertise in turf management, Mychal ensures our golf course remains in pristine condition throughout the year. His extensive knowledge also extends to mechanics, allowing him to meticulously maintain all equipment and service our golf carts, ensuring they run smoothly for your enjoyment. Mychal’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail make him an invaluable member of our team.

Golf Course Pro Shop Manager
Marty Nieman

• Years in Current Position: 1.5 years

• Staff Members Overseen: 16

We’re excited to introduce you to our Pro Shop Manager, Marty Nieman! Marty brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of what golfers need to elevate their game.

When he’s not expertly managing the pro shop, Marty is out on the course himself, enjoying the game he loves and building lasting relationships with fellow golfers. His friendly demeanor and unwavering commitment to customer service ensure that every visit to our pro shop is a memorable one.

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Marty. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gear or just some friendly advice, Marty is here to help you make the most of your golfing experience.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know our team a little better. Stay tuned for upcoming features, where we’ll introduce more of the amazing people who make the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department so special!

Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department: A Year of Growth and Community Engagement

Youth Programs and Camps

This year, we’ve made it a priority to engage our youth through a variety of enriching programs. The 2024 Youth Baseball season was a hit, with enthusiastic participation and generous sponsorship from local businesses. The City Kids Day Camp provided an exciting summer for children aged 6 to 11, packed with activities that fostered learning, teamwork, and fun. We also introduced drop-in basketball clinics hosted at Michigan City High School, which have been so popular that we plan to expand them. Additionally, our golf course hosted its annual Junior Golf Week, introducing many young participants to the joys of the sport.

New Initiatives and Improvements

The Pantries in the Parks program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity within our community. These accessible pantries, available 24/7, are stocked by generous community members, providing essential items to those in need at any time. This program not only supports those facing hardship but also fosters a spirit of unity and mutual support among residents.

One of the most notable achievements of 2024 has been our dedicated preservation efforts for the Old Washington Park Bandstand. This historic structure, a beloved symbol of our community’s heritage, has been meticulously maintained to ensure it continues to be a cherished landmark for generations to come.

The Water Tower Park project is nearing completion. Updates will include the installation of new inclusive play equipment, such as a steel slide for those with cochlear implants, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, ground-level tactile play panels, a new picnic shelter, an ADA-accessible drinking fountain, a new basketball court, and an off-street parking lot with 12 spaces, three of which will be ADA accessible.

Funding for this project comes from a Community Development Block Grant of $775,000, supplemented by a federally funded Land and Water Conservation Grant of $250,000. The renovation will also include repairs to fencing and the construction of an ADA-accessible route connecting the parking lot to all play areas. This comprehensive upgrade aims to make Water Tower Park a more inclusive and enjoyable space for everyone in the community.

Community Engagement

Our department has been proactive in engaging the community through various events and informational campaigns. We’ve worked diligently to promote our events and programming online via our Facebook page, updated our website to provide easy access to information, and started a monthly newsletter to keep everyone informed.

Events

What a fantastic year for events! From our beloved annual boat races to new additions like the Murder Mystery Dinner, we’ve expanded our offerings to include fun and exciting activities for people of all ages.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the latter half of 2024, the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for all residents. Upcoming projects include further developing our neighborhood parks and continuing our efforts to engage and support the youth through various programs. We are looking forward to upcoming events like the Summer Comedy Jam, Princess Tea, Boo at the Zoo in October, and our annual Festival of Lights in Washington Park this holiday season.

Mark Your Calendars

SEPTEMBER

• Friday, September 6th - Bike the City - IBEW/NECA - 5:30 PM - more information HERE

• Saturday, September 14th - Comedy Jam - Sunset Grille - 6:15 PM - purchase tickets HERE

• Thursday, September 19th - Bike the City - Krueger Middle School - 5:30 PM

• Saturday, September 21st - Creekness Stakes - Hansen Park - 9:00 AM - more information HERE

OCTOBER

• Saturday, October 5th - Walk to End Alzheimer's - Washington Park

• Sunday, October 13th - Halloween Costume Exchange & Party at Memorial Hall

• Saturday. October 19th - Boo at the Zoo - Washington Park Zoo - 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM - tickets available HERE

NOVEMBER

• Saturday, November 30th - Wild Winter Wonderland - Washington Park Zoo - 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM

• Saturday, November 30th - Holiday Parade - more information HERE 

• Saturday, November 30th - Lighting of the Holiday Lights at Washington Park & Festival of Lights Celebration

Subscribe to our new and monthly department highlights. Stay in the loop and never miss a moment of action. From our beautiful beach to our quaint neighborhood parks, from yoga on the beach to Bike the City, the parks department has something for everyone.