Michigan City Parks & Recreation is asking for community input through the 2026 Public Survey, which will help guide the 2027–2032 Park System Master Plan. This plan will shape the future of our parks, facilities, and recreational programs for years to come.

The survey invites residents, seasonal visitors, and park patrons to share how they use our parks, what amenities and activities they’d like to see added, and what barriers may prevent participation. Topics include accessibility, safety, maintenance, programming, and communication.

Your feedback will directly inform priorities for improvements, investments, and new opportunities across the park system.

Click Here to Go to the Survey

🗓 Surveys are open through October 16, 2026.
📞 Questions? Call the Park Office at 219‑873‑1506.

Your voice matters. Take the survey and help shape Michigan City’s parks.

Get ready for laughs under the summer sky, the 3rd Annual City Summer Comedy Jam is officially locked in! This event is a special partnership between Temerity and Michigan City Parks & Recreation, bringing stand-up comedy back to the roof of the Norte Pointe Pavilion for an unforgettable night.

Thanks to the addition of new tenant Zorn, we were able to move the event to the heart of summer, Friday, July 11th, making the vibes even better and the weather even warmer.

The lineup is stacked:

With the venue and the talent secured, all that’s missing is you. Save the date and stay tuned for ticket info, this is shaping up to be one of the best comedy nights of the summer right here in our Michigan City!

Washington Park is converting to an hourly paid parking system this season. Visitors can pay directly from their phone via ParkMobile, and enforcement staff will monitor the lots throughout the day. Please make sure your vehicle is registered and paid to avoid citations while visiting the lakefront.

For Annual Permits (“Stickers”), the office opens at North Pointe Pavilion on May 1st. Remember that civil city residents only have until July 3rd to register for their free permits.

Full details on hourly rates, how to pay, residency rules, and violation information can be found on our website:
👉 https://parks.michigancityin.gov/parking-stickers/

The Plug‑In is Michigan City’s traveling community block party series, designed to bring resources, activities, and fun directly into our neighborhoods. Our goal is simple: make it easier for families to connect with local organizations, enjoy positive events close to home, and build stronger relationships across the city.

We’re currently seeking vendors, movie sponsors, and community partners interested in supporting these neighborhood events throughout the season.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about how you can be part of The Plug‑In, please reach out to William Walker @ [email protected].

We’re excited to partner with Michigan City Area Schools for our April Open Game Night! This collaboration supports both of our missions… bringing families together, strengthening community connections, and showing that when we work together, we boost each other instead of creating competition or redundancy.

With MCAS helping promote this event, we’re confident this new program will get the strong start it deserves.

📅 April 27
📍 Barker Middle School
⏰ 5–8 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Family‑friendly games and fun for all ages!

Come out, play, laugh, and enjoy a great night with your community.
We’re excited to build this tradition together!

We start back with Trail Hikes this month. We will meet at Windy Creek Cove at 5pm on April 22nd. This trail is only partially paved, so dress accordingly and be ready for some mud.

Register for this program on The OttoApp for the most up to date calendar or updates.
https://app.theottoapp.com/public/org/427/item/834

Years With MCPR: 15 Years
How did you get started working in the zoo?
Studied Animal Science at Purdue. Worked as a seasonal keeper at Brookfield Zoo and Washington Park Zoo with a variety of animals.
What Do you wish more people understood about your job?
Keepers are dedicated to the job. They show up for the animals daily… rain or shine, holidays, and weekends.
What is your favorite animal to work with, and why?
Monty, ringtail lemur. He’s been under my care since I started with primates and I’ve had to work closely with him to administer medication and hand feed him.
Any advice for anyone wanting to work in a zoo?
My advice would be to volunteer or intern with exotic animals to gain hands on experience and knowledge about other animals. Also to build up communication skills, multitasking, and time management skills. They all play an important role.

Favorite Animal in the world? Orca
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Early Bird
Favorite Snack to get you through a shift? Coffee
Dream Vacation Destination? Greece & Italy
Favorite movie or TV show? Friends
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Teleport
Go to song or artist when you need a mood boost? Journey
One-word coworkers would use to describe you? Considerate
Favorite season at the Zoo? Winter. I prefer working in colder temps vs hot.

Below are your events at a glance. Click on the headers for more information:

Michigan City Chess Club
April 6 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Quilting Club
April 8 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Park Board Meeting
April 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
City Hall

Craft Corner
April 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

April Pour and Paint
April 17 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Chess Club
April 20 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Trail Hike
April 22 @ 5:00 pm - 6 pm
Winding Creek Cove

Open Game Night
April 27 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Barker Middle School

Michigan City Quilting Club
April 29 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Thank you for staying connected with Michigan City Parks & Recreation.
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you around our parks, programs, and events!

Warmly,
The MCP&R Team