New Monthly Offering: Open Game Night!

Looking for a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to spend your Monday evenings? Starting in February 2026, Michigan City Parks & Recreation is excited to introduce Open Game Night on the 4th Monday of each month!

Held alongside our popular Chess Club (1st and 3rd Mondays), Open Game Night will feature:

• Classic board games

• Regular playing cards & card games

• Paper football league

• Other fun tabletop activities

This free event is open to all ages, but kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. We’re committed to maintaining a welcoming environment, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Whether you're looking to challenge a friend to a game of Uno, teach your child how to play checkers, or just enjoy a relaxing evening with your neighbors, Open Game Night is the perfect place to connect and unwind.

Come play, laugh, and make memories with the people you care about most.

Season’s Greetings from Washington Park Zoo!

As the holidays approach, we hope you’re enjoying a joyful and peaceful season with your loved ones. Looking for a unique gift that truly makes a difference? Sponsor a Zoo Animal and support our animal care programs! With a variety of adoption levels, you’ll enjoy perks like personalized certificates, plush toys, and more. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, your adoption directly helps our animals thrive.
👉 Discover your favorite animal to adopt: http://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/animal-sponsorship

Join Us for Winter Wonderland Day at the Zoo

December 6 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Celebrate our final day open for the 2025 season! Enjoy festive activities:
🌟 Meet the Grinch (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
🌟 Wood ornament decorating station
🌟 Keeper talks throughout the day
All activities are included with regular admission, and parking is free.

2025 was a year of growth and progress at Washington Park Zoo!

• Animal Care Upgrades: New indoor pool and barn improvements for our capybara, upgraded Red Barn fencing, expanded pollinator gardens, and enhanced wellness programs for every animal—from frogs to bears.

• Visitor Experience Enhancements: New benches, improved habitat signage, and more keeper talks for engaging learning.

• New Arrivals: White-thighed Hornbills, Tomato Frogs, and an adorable baby Zebu calf joined our Zoo family!

Looking Ahead: Our 100th Anniversary in 2028

From humble beginnings in 1928 to today’s modern conservation facility with over 300 animals, Washington Park Zoo has come a long way! As we prepare for our centennial celebration, we’re collecting old photos and stories from visitors to feature in publications and on a special Memory Wall.

Thank you for being part of our story and for caring about wild animals and wild places. We couldn’t do it without you!

Winter Months at MC Golf Courses

As the Michigan City Golf Course (MCGC) heads into its winter break, we want to share some important updates for our golfers and community.

Season Passes Are On Sale Now
Passes for the 2026 season are available for purchase at City Hall (not at the golf course). While prices remain the same as last year, the pre-New Year 10% discount has been removed. This discount was originally introduced years ago to help the course through a tough financial season and simply never phased out. We understand this change may be disappointing, but raising prices would have resulted in the same cost to you, so we chose to eliminate the outdated practice instead.

Even without the discount, MCGC’s season pass rates are still lower than surrounding courses, making it one of the best values in the region.

New Benefit for Pass Holders
Passes will now be valid for the entire calendar year when the course is open for play. This means more flexibility and value for our golfers.

Why We Close During Frost

When temperatures drop and frost forms, the turf becomes extremely fragile. Walking or driving on frozen grass can crush plant cells, leaving lasting damage that shows up as dead patches in spring. Closing the course during these conditions protects the greens and fairways so they’re healthy and playable when the season returns.

What Happens During Winter?

While the fairways are frozen, our maintenance team is hard at work preparing for spring. Here’s some things on the winter checklist:

• Full maintenance on all golf carts and equipment

• Oil changes and part replacements

• Blade sharpening and tune-ups

• Painting and cosmetic repairs

• Fixing and upgrading course infrastructure

These efforts ensure that when the season returns, MCGC is in top shape for your enjoyment.

Looking Ahead
Early spring, we’ll share updates on opening dates, camps, and upcoming events. Until then, enjoy your winter and know that Michigan City Golf Course is already planning for another great season.

Stay Informed: Follow ALCO for Michigan City Meeting Coverage

Did you know that nearly every municipal meeting in Michigan City is recorded and made available online? Thanks to Access LaPorte County (ALCO), residents can stay informed about the decisions shaping our community, without ever leaving home.

ALCO records and publishes meetings from a wide range of boards and commissions, including:

• Common Council

• Board of Public Works & Safety

• Park Board

• Human Rights Commission

• And many more.

These meetings are posted on ALCO’s YouTube channel, where you can browse playlists by board or topic. Whether you're interested in zoning changes, park improvements, public safety, or community events, ALCO makes it easy to stay in the loop. They also post videos for City of Laporte and Laporte County as well.

Michigan City operates through dozens of boards and commissions that meet regularly to discuss policies, budgets, and community initiatives. Staying tuned in to these meetings helps residents:

• Understand how decisions are made.

• Learn about upcoming projects.

• Voice concerns or support for local issues.

• Hold public officials accountable.

Let’s build a more informed and engaged Michigan City. Follow ALCO and stay connected to the heartbeat of our local government.

The Plug-In: Connecting Our Neighborhoods

Michigan City Parks & Recreation is proud to present The Plug-In, a dynamic traveling block party series designed to bring fun, resources, and community connection directly to neighborhoods across our city.

What is The Plug-In?

The Plug-In is more than just a party, it's a movement. By rotating locations across Michigan City, we’re making sure every neighborhood has access to the joy, support, and opportunities these events provide. Whether it's Party in the City, Neighborhood Nights, or Party at the Plaza, each Plug-In event is a chance for families to come together, meet local organizations, enjoy entertainment, and build stronger community ties.

Why It Matters?

We believe that access should never be limited by geography. By moving these events around the city, we’re eliminating barriers and ensuring that every resident, regardless of where they live, can plug into the resources and fun that make Michigan City special.

We’re excited to announce that every Plug-In event will feature a free food option for kids, ensuring that no child goes hungry while enjoying the festivities. Plus, thanks to community support and sponsorships, we’re adding extra activities like laser tag, inflatables, touch a truck, or even a game truck to make each event unforgettable.

Want to Get Involved?

While this isn’t a call for sponsors, we do want to share that sponsorship packages start at just $250, which includes vendor access to all 7 Plug-In events throughout the year. Every dollar raised goes directly into enhancing the experience for our community, starting with free meals for kids and expanding into exciting new activities.

Let’s keep building together. Let’s keep connecting. Let’s keep plugging in.

Park Board Meeting - November 5, 2025

Key Motions and Decisions

• Wings of Wonder Exhibit: Previous bids rejected and new bid packet approved after adding requirements per a responsible bidder’s ordinance.

• Special Events 2026: Dates for key events including the Easter Egg Hunt, Juneteenth, Fireworks Spectacular, Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, and October Fest were approved. These events will mirror the 2025 schedule in Washington Park.

• Senior Center Boiler Repair: The board approved a special purchase request for urgent boiler repair, discussing vendor selection and the importance of supporting local businesses.

• Sunset Grill Equipment Storage: Approved a temporary storage agreement to allow Sunset Grill to keep its property onsite for potential sale to a new vendor after their concession lease ended.

• North Point Pavilion Concessions RFP: A new approach will be taken with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for future concessions. The base monthly rent amount was lowered, utilities' cost structure clarified, and previous sales data discussed to attract quality vendors.

• EVP Volleyball 2026: Approved tournament and clinic dates, with a discussion about the revenue split, parking fees, and partnership benefits for Michigan City youth and area schools.

• Administrative Job Description: Approved a new full-time Administrative Director position to begin January 2026, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and succession planning.

Financial and Operational Reports

• Resolutions: Four resolutions were unanimously passed transferring funds between accounts to address expenses in maintenance, concessions, golf, and the zoo.

• Superintendent Report: Updates included Washington Park restroom improvements, completion of golf course irrigation installation, a successful zoo history tour, and upcoming events. Also noted were attendance at regional conferences and mayoral recognitions.

The meeting adjourned with expressions of appreciation for the parks staff and anticipation for ongoing community events and partnerships.

November 19, 2025

Key Motions and Decisions

• Special Events Approval: The board approved dates for key events, including the second annual MC Food & Music Fest (Memorial Day weekend), working with Harbor Country Adventures and Feder's Alley food trucks. Early setup permission granted for organizers.

• Horse and Carriage Rides: The popular winter tradition from Fish Camp received approval for three Sundays, plus a new winter pop-up market at Base Camp offering holiday ornaments, logo wear, and treats, all weekends in December until Christmas. Rides are only for restaurant patrons.

• Coldest Night of the Year 5K Walk: Approved for a second year, now with a new route by the lake and additional family-friendly activities. Last year’s event drew over 120 walkers across 19 teams.

• Open Accounts and Service Contracts: Routine annual renewals for sanitation, pest control, trash collection, and landscaping services, ensuring ongoing park maintenance and safety.

• City Kids Day Camp Packet: No fee increase for 2026; new field trips added, including boat tours, an indoor ice skating visit, and activities at Lighthouse Mall. Leadership costs slightly reduced.

• Open Game Night Proposal: New social initiative to activate Krueger Memorial Hall on Monday–Thursday evenings starting February. Community members are invited for board games, card games, and safe family fun.

• Resolution and Transfers: The board approved budget transfers to cover unanticipated expenses, maintaining positive balances in key accounts, especially for the senior center.

• 2026 Recreation Sponsorship Packet: Released to encourage early sponsorship for youth baseball, Patriot Park banners, and the city’s new traveling block party (“The Plug In”), aiming to strengthen community connections.

• Superintendent and Zoo Updates:

  • Millennium Fountain: City Council has advanced rainy day fund support for its demolition, with bidding planned ahead of 2026 summer events.

  • Holiday Lights: Installation continues, with an early lighting ceremony planned for December 5th alongside the city tree lighting at 7th Street Plaza.

  • Northwest Indiana Thrive Grant: $20 million awarded (with $4 million to Michigan City) to enhance access to trails and the National Lake Shore; plans for a cultural corridor are underway.

  • Zoo Report: Multiple improvements, including new fences, expanded habitats, significant support from donations and community volunteers, and ongoing engagement events like Winter Wonderland and Zoo Camp.

• Community Recognition: The board expressed gratitude for volunteer contributions to holiday light installations and recent service projects at local facilities.
  

Community Events

A Silent Night Silent Party CANCELLED!!!!

We regret to inform you that the Silent Night Silent Party, originally scheduled for December 27 at Krueger Memorial Hall, has been canceled due to low ticket sales and budget considerations.

Our department’s budget is partially revenue-dependent and supports many areas like the zoo, park maintenance, and the senior center. At this time, we can’t risk overspending on events that weren’t originally budgeted. The good news? This event is planned as part of the 2026 budget, so stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone who showed interest. No one is more disappointed than us, but we’re committed to bringing recreation back to Michigan City Parks & Recreation. Follow us for updates on upcoming programs and activities, we have more great events on the way!

Craft Corner Updates

Kazidelicious Creations will be taking a short break in January and February 2026 to give themselves time to recharge and reboot. But don’t worry, they’ve already locked in dates for March through June, so the creativity will be back soon!

In the meantime, we’re looking into a couple of fun activities to fill the gap and keep the creative energy flowing during those months. Stay tuned for announcements and be on the lookout for new opportunities to get crafty!

OttoApp

Click Here to See Scores and Standings for Leagues

The OttoApp is a mobile native platform that gives you, the user, a very simple and streamlined way to view and sign up for Park and Rec activities. We’ve chatted with Ottoapp and got them to revise and simplify their checkout process. Right now, the app will host our leagues, events, and classes; but in the future we plan to provide facility rentals, merchandise sales, concession sales, and much more through the application.

Click here to Download the Apple App
Click here to Download the Android App
Click here to go to the Web Browser Version

Chess Club

We are excited that a community chess club is back in Michigan City. We will be meeting on 1st and 3rd Mondays at Krueger Memorial Hall from 5:30-7:30 PM. This club is open for all skill levels. We have people that can train kids and adults on how to play the game. Right now, there is no cost to be in the club. All persons under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

2026 Youth Baseball League

Registrations will start on January 5th, 2026. Download the Ottoapp now.

Until Next Time

As the year winds down, we want to thank you for being part of our Parks & Recreation family. 2025 has been full of incredible moments, and we’re excited to make 2026 even better!

Keep an eye out for:

• Event Lists for the upcoming year

• Program Updates & Changes

• New Opportunities to Connect with Your Community

Your parks are here for you, every season, every neighborhood, every day. Let’s make the next year unforgettable, together!

If you have any questions please reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call (219)873-1506.