New Park & Rec Website

We’re excited to announce that Michigan City and the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department have officially launched brand new websites, designed with you in mind.

For years, our previous online platforms posed challenges for residents and visitors alike. Information was hard to find, search engines couldn’t surface answers, and contacting the right person often felt like a maze. We heard your frustrations and we acted.

The new websites are built for clarity, accessibility, and connection. This upgrade isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a step forward in how we can serve our community with online solutions. We’re committed to making your digital experience as welcoming and efficient as our parks and programs are in person.

Let us know what you think, your feedback helps us grow!

Our New Website Parks.MichiganCityIN.gov

Letter from the Assistant Superintendent

Dear Michigan City,

A year and a half into this role, I’m still learning every day, but I can honestly say I love the recreational foundation we’re building together. The energy, ideas, and momentum we’ve created are setting the stage for something truly special in our city.

As we look ahead to 2026, our goal is to maintain the strong lineup of offerings we’ve built in 2025 while expanding into even more youth activities. We’re also working hard to improve how we communicate with our community, because if people don’t know what’s happening, they can’t be a part of it. That’s something we’re committed to changing.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is we need more people to step up and take ownership of activities and events. Even if it comes with a price tag, having passionate individuals lead programming is essential. If you’re interested in partnering or running something, let’s talk, there are real opportunities here.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working on automating our beach parking operations. Change is never easy, and I know not everyone will be happy about it. But the world is evolving, and we have to evolve with it. The plan is to create better flow, give more payment options, making registration more simple for civil citizens. My hope is that this gets approved and launched before spring 2026.

We’re also in talks with a dock-to-dock bike rental company to make more parts of town accessible. With the Singing Sands Trail (Marquette Greenway) nearing completion, Michigan City is poised to become a true biking crossroads.

We’re revamping staple programs, like youth baseball and City Kids Day Camp, and are starting to envision the next wave of Parks and Recreation in Michigan City. That means breathing new life into pocket parks, finding ways to better use our existing fields and courts, and bringing exciting new amenities to older parks to give them a fresh spark.

If you don’t know anything about me, just know this: I will go all out for my city. I’ll use whatever platform I have to make Michigan City shine, and I’ll keep doing that as long as I have the opportunity.

Change is hard. It’s unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and often met with resistance. But staying stagnant for too long becomes a barrier to growth. Michigan City deserves to grow, evolve, and thrive, and I’m here to help make that happen.

With respect and determination,
William Walker
Assistant Superintendent
Michigan City Parks and Recreation

History Lesson

Legacy in Stone: How the WPA Shaped Michigan City’s Washington Park

During the Great Depression, Michigan City, like much of America, faced economic hardship and stalled development. But thanks to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) and its predecessor agencies (FERA and CWA), Michigan City saw a wave of public works that still define its landscape today.

🏞️ Washington Park: A WPA Fantasyland

Washington Park, founded in the 1890s, was transformed in the 1930s into a vibrant public space through WPA efforts. The park’s breakwater, which expanded the beach, and the four-story observation tower atop a 200-foot dune, were standout WPA projects. The tower, made from a steel railroad structure and faced with limestone, even features a spherical ornament believed to be a compression chamber from the city’s first fire engine.

🦍 Monkey Island & the Zoo

One of the most imaginative WPA creations was Monkey Island, built in 1934. It featured a moated island with a high wall and access tunnel, designed to house primates in a more naturalistic setting. The Washington Park Zoo, which began in 1925, was completely redesigned and landscaped by WPA workers, making it the only zoo in Indiana fully shaped by WPA and its predecessor agencies.

Structures like the Castle, built in 1937 to house small mammals and birds, were modeled after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers insignia. Eleven zoo buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

🌿 A Lasting Impact

The WPA didn’t just build structures, it built community. These projects provided jobs, boosted morale, and created lasting public assets. The greenhouse restoration project, once the Michigan City Park Department office built in 1934, is another example of WPA craftsmanship that’s been lovingly preserved.

Today, Washington Park and its zoo remain living monuments to a time when federal investment met local ingenuity. The WPA’s legacy is etched into the stone, steel, and spirit of Michigan City’s parks.

The OttoApp

Click Here to See Scores and Standings for Leagues

We have made an official switch from Jarvis to The OttoApp. We love that 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. 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

Park Board Meeting - September 3rd, 2025

Patriot Park Baseball Team Fundraiser

• The board approved allowing the nationally recognized baseball team to rent the Patriot Park fields for a fundraiser at a discounted rate of $100 per field per day, reflecting the one time a year 50% nonprofit discount with other rentals.

• Mayor Angie stepped forward to cover the tournament fees from her mayor’s ball contributions.

2026 Golf Season Pass Policy

• Changes to the season pass rules and refund policy were debated, notably:

  • Ending a longstanding 10% year-end discount for season passes.

  • Adjusting the pass period to run from opening day until course closure, rather than fixed dates.

  • Retaining a 10% discount on merchandise for pass holders was recommended by staff.

• The final decision on pass pricing and the removal of the discount was tabled pending more sales and pricing data.

Fedder’s Alley Playground Equipment Special Purchase

• The board approved ordering specialty playground equipment early, securing discounts of over $50,000 and allowing storage until construction funding is finalized. This strategy is permissible under Indiana’s special purchase laws for government savings and sole-source procurement.

2026 Youth Baseball Registration Changes

• Registration will start January 5th, 2026

• The League will start two weeks earlier to ensure the league finishes before July 4th.

• A new $25 late fee will be imposed IF anyone is allowed to sign up late.

• No changes to base registration fees for the year.

Community Garden Agreement

• The board renewed its annual Memorandum of Understanding with Community Development for the Walker Street Community Garden, including details on remaining funds and upcoming projects (e.g., larger workshed, possible greenhouse, small orchard).

Park Board Meeting - September 17th, 2025

Washington Park Beach Management Report

• The board reviewed the annual beach management report prepared for Indiana Department of Environmental Management; this was for informational purposes only and did not require board approval.

Golf Season Pass Policy (2026)

• The board voted to remove the longstanding 10% discount on season pass sales for the golf course, effective for the 2026 season.

  • The season pass will now be valid from January - December as we are open.

  • There will not be a increase in pass price.

History Tour Event at Washington Park Zoo

• Approved a major event license agreement for a history tour at the zoo, partnered with the Historical Society and Zoo Society, highlighting WPA works and zoo history, scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd.

Salvation Army Holiday Lights Request

• Approved Salvation Army’s annual request to collect donations during the Festival of Holiday Lights for one evening.

• Board and public discussed city code pertaining to solicitation in streets; clarified that the park roads are not city streets and board can permit this activity.

• Suggestions were made to consider giving other nonprofits a chance to participate in future years.

Emergency Water Heater Purchase

• Retrospective approval granted for an emergency water heater replacement at the Senior Center due to urgent needs for public hygiene and event scheduling.

• Issue was discussed about prioritizing local contractors in emergencies.

Creation of "Partners to Park MC" Foundation

• Approved formation of a new nonprofit foundation to support parks funding and open up access to grants that require 501(c)(3) status.

• The foundation will be governed by its own board, have independent finances, and improve community engagement

Community Events

2nd Annual City Summer Comedy Jam

Michigan City’s 2nd Annual City Summer Comedy Jam lit up the rooftop of Norte Pointe Pavilion with laughter and music, even as the weather reminded us that summer was on its way out. With temperatures dropping and winds picking up, guests bundled up, but the energy stayed high.

The Zo Band, a local favorite, anchored the night with soulful tunes that carried well into the evening, serenading the lakefront long after the crowd had dispersed. Their commitment to the vibe was unmatched, creating a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the stunning sunset views from the rooftop.

The comedy lineup was stacked with talent. Marlon Mitchell, Ruben Ramirez, Cecelia Gonzalez, Captain Ed, and Roy Deshawn kept the crowd chuckling with a mix of sharp wit, relatable stories, and high energy performances. Each comedian brought their own flavor, making for a dynamic and memorable show.

Despite the chill in the air, the event was a warm reminder of what makes Michigan City special, great people, great entertainment, and unforgettable experiences.

Discover the Untold Stories: First-Ever Washington Park Zoo Historical Tour

History and wildlife come together for a unique experience at the first-ever Washington Park Zoo Historical Tour, happening Sunday, November 2 with two tour times available: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

This brand-new event invites guests to explore the fascinating history of the Washington Park Zoo, including behind-the-scenes stories and fun animal facts that span generations.

Admission is just $15 per person, which includes:

• Free parking

• Zoo entry

• A 90-minute guided tour

Children 10 and under are free, making this a great outing for families and curious minds of all ages.

This event is a fundraiser hosted by the Michigan City Zoological Society and the Old Lighthouse Museum/Historical Society, with proceeds split evenly between the two organizations.

How to Participate:

• Sign up through the Michigan City Zoological Society Facebook event page 

• https://facebook.com/events/s/washington-park-zoo-historical/1574402497270031/

• Or simply show up the day of the event, we’ll be ready to welcome you.

For more information, contact Johnny Stimley at
[email protected] or 219-229-1567.

Come be part of history and help support two pillars of Michigan City’s heritage!

Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner: Costumes, Clues & Chills

Get ready for a night of mystery, mischief, and masquerade as Michigan City Parks & Recreation invites you to the Masquerade Murder Mystery Party, a thrilling evening where elegance meets eerie just in time for the Halloween season.

Held at the historic Krueger Memorial Hall, this immersive experience blends theatrical suspense with interactive fun. Guests are encouraged to dress in masquerade attire or full Halloween costumes, so whether you're feeling glamorous or ghoulish, you're welcome to play the part.

The evening will feature:

• 🕵️‍♂️ A live-action murder mystery performance

• 🍴 Appetizer-style finger foods by Up-N-Smoke

• 🍸 A cash bar to keep spirits high

• 🎭 Plenty of twists, turns, and surprises

Whether you're a seasoned sleuth or just in it for the laughs, this event promises a night of unforgettable entertainment.

🎟️ Tickets are available now 
or contact MC Parks and Rec and we will be happy to help.

A Silent Night Silent Party:

Michigan City Parks & Recreation is closing out the year with a festive twist on nightlife, introducing the Silent Night Silent Party, a 21+ silent disco experience at Krueger Memorial Hall on December 27, 2025.

This one-of-a-kind event invites guests to dance to their own beat with wireless headphones, choosing from multiple music channels spun live by three DJs. Whether you're into holiday remixes, smooth R&B, or high-energy dance hits, there's a vibe for everyone, all in a cozy, winter-themed setting.

Expect twinkling lights, cash bar, and plenty of photo worthy moments. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the holidays and celebrate the season with friends, music, and good vibes.

🎟️ Tickets are just $25 and will be available soon. Space is limited, so keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for early bird announcements and giveaways.

Get Your Tickets Now!!!

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.

Bike the City

Trail Hikes

Until Next Time

As the waves roll in and the seasons shift, we’re reminded that every moment in Michigan City is a chance to connect, create, and celebrate. Whether you're exploring a new trail, laughing at a comedy show, or simply soaking in the lakeside breeze, thank you for being part of our story.

We’ll be back soon with more updates, events, and inspiration. Until then, stay curious, stay kind, and keep making memories.

See you around the parks. 🌳

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