Free Workouts all June and July. Just show up.

We are already halfway through what will be the last beach sticker season ever. While that may sound like a major change, we want to reassure residents that the Annual Permit is not going away, it is simply getting a new name and a more modern system behind it.

Moving forward, the “Annual Permit” will function exactly the same as the beach sticker has in the past, ust without the physical sticker. The change eliminates the need to display anything on your vehicle, making the process more convenient for residents and more efficient for staff.

Instead of checking for stickers, our enforcement team now patrols parking lots using license plate recognition technology. This allows them to quickly confirm whether a vehicle has an active parking session or a valid Annual Permit.

We understand there has been some confusion as this transition began. That’s expected anytime a long-standing process changes, especially one that has been in place longer than most people in our community can remember. However, just three weeks into this new system, we are already seeing encouraging signs of improved recognition and compliance.

Our team is learning more each day as we operate under this updated system. We will continue to refine and improve our enforcement practices, communication, and overall operations to ensure the best experience possible for our residents and visitors.

We appreciate your patience, feedback, and willingness to adapt as we move forward together into a more efficient and modern parking system at the beach.

Its June and that means City Kids Day Camp is here.
We are beyond excited to get going with camp this year.

To sign up or learn more, please click the link below:
City Kids Day Camp Sign Ups|
Follow Campers on Facebook

We are officially open for business in the bar on the upper sundeck for your beach drinks!

Stop Zero - your first, and only stop, on the Washington Park & Beach lakefront, 6 On The Lake, right across from the Washington Park Zoo.

What is the top seller drink so far you ask? A hand-shaken Piña Colada, served "on the rocks," not frozen. It is a tropical creamy treat that is damn delicious. It can be made into a mocktail for the kiddos. Featuring Natalie's fresh-squeezed and cold-pressed juices and veggie and fruit juice blends in all of our specialty drinks.

BUT what's the secret key add-on to make this concoction a must have you ask!?!??!

A frozen pineapple, maraschino cherry, & Cutie skewer SOAKED OVERNIGHT in pineapple & coconut rum coming soon!

Check our webpage for details on when the full food menu will be available. Hours open vary based on weather but planning on 10am - 10pm 7 days per week for the sundeck and the concession stand.

Summer is here and now its time to find some constructive things to keep you and your child’s mind working of summer break. Make chess club a family stop on 1st and 3rd Mondays. 5:30 - 7:30 at Krueger Memorial Hall. All skill levels are welcome. We are happy to teach you how to play.

Years With MCPR: 24 Years Full Time + 3 more years as a Seasonal
How did you get started working in the zoo?
Started as a seasonal in 1999 working in the petting barn, goat yard, duck pond, and upper aviary.
What do you wish more people understood about your job?
The animals need us every day, no matter the weather or holidays.
What is the most meaningful or memorable moment you’ve experienced at WPZ?
My most meaningful moment was a Make-A-Wish for a child that wanted to be a zookeeper. It was my honor to be a part of fulfilling that wish.
What part of the job brings you the most joy?
Building relationships with animals and making connections with guest. Building more poeple who understand the importance of animals
Is there anything about you that your coworkers might be surprised to learn?
I like K Pop

Favorite Animal in the world? Hammer Head Shark
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Early bird or night owl? Night Owl
Favorite Snack to get you through a shift? Meat Sticks
Dream Vacation Destination? Australia
Favorite movie or TV show? Supernatural
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The power to heal
Go to song or artist when you need a mood boost? Stray Kids
One-word coworkers would use to describe you? Motherly
Favorite season at the Zoo? Fall, love the weather, we have Boo at the Zoo. The animals enjoy the weather too.

Thank you for staying connected with Michigan City Parks & Recreation.
All our departments work tirelessly to bring the best product to MC as we can. Please help us shape the next 5 years of MC Parks and Rec by sharing your thoughts with us on our Parks systems.

Click the link to head to our 2027-2032 Master Plan Survey and help us create the tomorrow you want:
2026 Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department Public Survey

See you next Month,
The MCP&R Team