Washington Park Zoo Prepares for Exciting Season with new Aviary Exhibit

As spring approaches and temperatures rise, Washington Park Zoo is set to welcome back visitors for a dynamic new season. The zoo is preparing an array of engaging experiences for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. 

Washington Park Zoo, nestled along the scenic lakeshore, has long been a cherished destination for families, students, and tourists. The zoo’s mission extends beyond entertainment, focusing on promoting environmental awareness, supporting global conservation efforts, and fostering a deep appreciation for the animal kingdom. Throughout the off-season, dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to enhance animal habitats, introduce new educational programs, and prepare the grounds for the busy months ahead.  

A highlight of this year’s preparations is the groundbreaking of the Wings of Wonder Aviary, a cutting-edge, free-flight exhibit scheduled to open near the zoo’s entrance later this summer. This significant addition marks a major milestone in the zoo’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional animal care and innovative public programming. Staff and supporters alike are eager to see the vision realized, as the exhibit promises a unique and immersive experience for all. 

The Wings of Wonder Aviary will stand as a centerpiece of the zoo’s renewed commitment to providing enriching animal experiences for both guests and resident species. The exhibit’s innovative design incorporates naturalistic landscaping, perches, and water features to simulate authentic ecosystems. Informational signage and interactive exhibits will educate guests about the various bird species, their native habitats, and ongoing conservation challenges, making each visit an opportunity to learn and be inspired. The Wings of Wonder Aviary will continue to showcase a vibrant collection of bird species, including colorful parakeets and silkie chickens. The new structure will replace the aging outdoor aviary that has been in place since 2009.  

The improved design features a temperature-controlled structure that will provide a comfortable habitat for its avian residents. The specially designed to promote species-specific behaviors, the aviary features ample space for birds to fly freely and safely, shielded from predators and inclement weather.  The exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to walk through, observing birds up close amid a symphony of natural birdcalls and colorful displays.  

Washington Park Zoo aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists while offering an unforgettable destination for all. The construction of the Wings of Wonder Aviary underscores the zoo’s dedication to modernizing its facilities and advancing animal welfare. The zoo encourages the community to follow updates on our website and Facebook page, participate in our continued fundraising efforts, and join in the excitement leading up to the grand opening. This summer, the debut of the Wings of Wonder Aviary promises to be a highlight, drawing visitors from across the region to experience the next chapter in the zoo’s storied history. 

One Person’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure at the Senior Center Sale

The Senior Center invites the community to enjoy a fun and friendly Trash & Treasure Sale, on Sat, March 28, 2026 from 8am-12noon (no early birds), complete with a delicious Bake Sale, for a day filled with great finds and tasty treats.

Browse tables packed with gently used and pre-loved items, including household goods, books, collectibles, décor, jewelry, crafts, and plenty of unexpected treasures. Whether you’re searching for a bargain or a one-of-a-kind item, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to stop by the Bake Sale, where homemade goodies such as cookies, breads, pies, and other sweet treats will be available. It’s the perfect way to refuel while shopping, or to take something special home to share with family and friends.  We also serve our regionally famous sloppy joe sandwiches at a bargain price!

More than just a sale, the Trash & Treasure event is a community gathering. It brings together neighbors, friends, and families for a fun day of shopping, conversation, and connection.

Bring a friend, arrive early for the best selection, and enjoy a day of shopping, snacking, and community spirit. You never know what treasures, or treats, you’ll discover! 

The Senior Center is located in Washington Park at 2 on the Lake, Michigan City, IN  46360, phone 219-873-1504.

ParkMobile to Washington Park

Big improvements are coming to Washington Park and the best part is that almost nothing changes for our residents and regular parkgoers. This summer, we’re introducing ParkMobile, a modern and flexible way for visitors to pay for hourly parking. For citizens and Season Pass holders, your experience will stay the same as always (without a sticker).

If you’re a Michigan City resident or a regular at Washington Park, your routine is staying the same this season.

• The registration process for Season Pass “stickers” does NOT change.

• This will simply be the final year we use physical stickers.

• Your license plate becomes your pass, making entering the park easier than ever.

Season Pass Registration runs:
📅 May 1 – July 3 as it has the past 2 years.
We are aiming to have the new Online Registration Portal ready by May 1 to make sign‑ups faster and more convenient. People who register online Will Not receive a sticker.

What ParkMobile Means and Who It Affects

ParkMobile brings simple and flexible payment options for visitors only, not residents. Hourly parking fees will be discussed and voted on soon at a MC Park Board Meeting, but the process itself is straightforward and designed to feel familiar.

Visitors will be able to pay using:

• 📱 Mobile app

• 💬 Text-to-Pay

• 🌐 Web payment

• 🏧 On-site kiosk

This provides multiple convenient options without changing how our citizens access the park.

How Visitor Parking Will Work

Parking with ParkMobile will feel much like paying at a modern city parking meter:

1. Pull into the lot and park anywhere you choose.

2. Prepay for the time you need using any of the listed payment methods.

3. Enjoy the beach, zoo, and amenities knowing your parking is covered.

There will be Zone and variable pricing. To keep the system fair and functioning smoothly, our enforcement team will be patrolling the lots and issuing citations for unpaid parking.

🦁 Washington Park Zoo Visitors

• Shorter zoo trips mean you only pay for the time you stay.

• No more $20 flat all-day fees for brief visits.

🍽️ Restaurant & Vendor Guests

• Perfect for quick lunches, coffee stops, and dessert runs.

• Hourly rates make short visits more affordable and flexible.

🌅 Short-Term Parkers

• Ideal for morning walks, beach photos, meetups, or catching a sunset.

• Pay for exactly what you use.

The Bottom Line

For Michigan City residents and regular Washington Park users:

• Your access stays the same.

• The sticker registration process stays the same for this year.

• Your Season Pass still gets you right in.

Invest in Community: 2026 Michigan City Recreation Sponsorship Opportunities

Michigan City Parks & Recreation is excited to invite local businesses and organizations to partner with us for an impactful 2026 season! Our mission is to create inclusive, engaging experiences that bring families together and strengthen neighborhoods. From youth baseball to traveling block parties, your support helps make it happen.

Why Sponsor?
Your sponsorship directly supports programs that reach thousands of residents while giving your brand visibility across events, social media, and community spaces.

Opportunities Include:

• Youth Baseball Team Sponsorships – Your name/logo on team jerseys and league materials.

• Patriot Park Banner Sponsorships – High-visibility banners on outfield fences or premium dugout/backstop locations.

• The Plug-In: Traveling Block Party Series – Bring free, family-friendly events into neighborhoods through vendor and community sponsorships.

Featured Package: Community Connection Sponsorship – $1,000
This all-in-one option includes:
✔ Youth Baseball Team Sponsorship
✔ Patriot Park Outfield Banner
✔ Vendor access at all The Plug-In events
✔ Social media thank-you to 12,000+ followers
✔ Recognition in our monthly newsletter

Additional Options:

• Team Sponsor: $400

• Outfield Banner: $400/year

• Premium Banner: $600/year

• Vendor Sponsor: $250

• Neighborhood Partner: $500

• City Champion: $1,000

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Join us in making 2026 our most impactful year yet! For details or to customize a package, contact:

William Walker, Assistant Superintendent
📧 [email protected] | 📞 (219) 832-4840

Park Board Meeting Recaps

Park Board Meeting - January 7, 2025 ​

Annual Reorganization and Liaison Appointments

The Board unanimously re‑elected Tim Glidden as President, confirmed Ryan Labis as Vice President, and selected Christina Espar as Secretary for 2026. Kisha Ward and Roscoe Hoffman are the other two board members. ​

Liaison roles were set for the year: Espar will serve as liaison to the Planning Commission, Glidden will continue as liaison to the Port Authority, and Labis will again serve as liaison to the Zoo Society.

Employee Handbook and Policy Updates

Human Resources representative Melissa Henderson presented on the citywide Employee Handbook Committee’s work to consolidate multiple departmental handbooks into one consistent handbook for all city staff. She walked the Board through several policy areas that had been tabled in December so Parks could receive clearer explanations before taking any positions.​​

Henderson noted that the committee expects to complete the full handbook within the next two months, at which point a complete, unified draft will be brought back to the Park Board and other bodies for review and acknowledgment.

​Also at this meeting:

• The demolition of Millennium Fountain is moving forward with the engineering documents being assigned to Haas & Associates.

• Washington Park Zoo’s new 5 year Strategic Plan was approved

• Michigan City Quilting Clu

Park Board Meeting - Janurary 21, 2025​

Approvals and Agreements

• The Board approved the Michigan City Fire Department’s traditional Labor Day “Fill a Boot” fundraiser in Washington Park.​

• A new 2026 license agreement with Harbor Country Adventures for non‑exclusive use of Millennium Plaza was approved. Harbor Country will continue to furnish the space, provide and service portable restrooms, and handle regular cleaning, security, and programming that has activated a plaza which previously saw minimal use.​

• The final year (April 7, 2026–April 6, 2027) of the Harbor Country Adventures greenhouse lease in Washington Park was approved, with a full rebid and new appraisals to be required after this term.​

Zoo Animal Plan

Zoo Director Jamie Hus received Board approval for the Washington Park Zoo’s January 2026 animal request list. The zoo, which primarily serves as a rescue and holding facility rather than a large breeding institution, will seek new education, display, and program animals as they become available through professional zoo networks, and will place last season’s young zebu calf at another accredited facility for education use.​

2026–2027 Fees and Athletic Use

• The Board approved the 2026–2027 administrative fees and contracts package, covering rentals, athletic fields, and Washington Park parking. Staff noted that most fees will increase modestly, and that some items in the comparison sheets were corrected as minor typos.​

• Discussion focused heavily on softball/baseball tournament use at Patriot Park under the NSA/BPA memorandum of understanding.​

• Adult softball league packets for 2026 were accepted, with co‑ed and big‑bat team fees aligned at 475 dollars per team following a cost analysis that brought the program close to breaking even last season.​

Parking and Park Loyalty System

The Board approved agreements with ParkMobile and Park Loyalty for mobile payments at Washington Park. ​​​

Community Events

Youth Baseball Leagues sign up are going on now. 

MC Quilting Club

Join Us for February Pour & Paint

Looking for the perfect way to unwind, enjoy good company, and tap into your creative side this February? Michigan City Parks & Recreation invites you to our next Pour & Paint evening. A night that blends art, relaxation, and fun for all skill levels.

This month’s theme brings a Valentine’s twist, celebrating lovebirds of all kinds; couples, friends, family, or anyone simply looking for a joyful night out.

And at the heart of it all is our amazing instructor, Emily Blossom.

Her instruction is warm, patient, and confidence-boosting. Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, Emily has a gift for guiding everyone toward a freehand masterpiece they can proudly take home. Step by step, she creates an environment where creativity flows easily and stress stays at the door.

Come Experience It for Yourself

Bring your date, bring a friend, bring your smile, and definitely bring your snacks and drinks! This family-friendly event is open to ages 10 and up (with adults present for anyone under 15). It’s the perfect chance to relax, bond, and try something delightfully new.

🗓 Event Details

Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Krueger Memorial Hall
Cost: $15 per person

Tickets are available right now in TheOttoApp and Eventbrite

Come ready to laugh, create, connect, and walk away with a piece of art that means something because you made it.

Get Your Tickets Here

We can’t wait to see you there!

Open Game Nights

Game night will start the 4th Monday in March, not February.

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!

2026 Youth Baseball League

Download the Ottoapp now. Also anyone interested in coaching can also apply on the Ottoapp. Find “2026 I want to Coach/Volunteer.”

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

Until Next Time

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.