Michigan City has several dog‑friendly parks perfect for walks, fresh air, and outdoor fun with your pup. Bismarck Hill and Canada Park offer peaceful wooded paths. Krueger Memorial Park and Ruby Woods are great for relaxed nature walks with plenty of scenery. For a smoother route, the Singing Sands Trail provides an easy, enjoyable stroll. Winding Creek Cove is ideal for quick outings, and Millennium Plaza offers waterfront views.

Remember to keep pets leashed and help keep our parks clean for everyone.

Singing Sands Trail hasn’t been forgotten in Michigan City. Progress slowed while portions of the trail had to be rerouted and the City worked through necessary property acquisition. The good news? Every unfinished segment is fully funded, actively in design and engineering, and scheduled for construction in 2027.

This project will create an important new connection on the Marquette Greenway, and we can’t wait to see this stretch finally come to life.

On April 25th at the 5th Annual Earth Month Extravaganza there will be a sporting equipment swap. This is a chance for some of that sporting gear (that’s still in good condition) to get a second life. Some things are just outgrown or briefly used and sitting around collecting dust. Give it a chance to serve the next round of athletes.

Andie Jahnz-Davis is collecting gear leading up to the event. If you have more questions or concerns, please reach out to her at [email protected].

5th Annual Earth Month Extravaganza
Michigan City Senior Center
Saturday, April 25
12-3

MC Park and Rec is still accepting sponsors for Youth Baseball and other events. Our $1,000 Community Connection Sponsor is a great way to make a broad impact. The package includes Sponsorship of a youth baseball team, outfield banner at Patriot Park, vendor access at all The Plug-In events (plus Juneteenth), social media thank you to our 12,000 Facebook followers, and newsletter sponsor credit on Lakeside Life.

If you have any interest in aiding the growth and stability of programming in MC, as well as keeping it cost effective and accessible for our community, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [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!

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce would like to highlight the Washington Park Zoo on its opening day, so… Join us on Saturday, March 28, for the WPZ’s Opening Day Celebration at the front gate starting at 9:30 AM, featuring complimentary coffee from the Zoological Society.

Community leaders and guests are invited to welcome the new season, followed by a Zoological Society table inside the Zoo from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (weather permitting) with membership information and coffee samples.

Come out and help us kick off another great year at the Zoo!

Years With MCPR: 4 Years
How did you get started working in the zoo?
In 2018 I interned at Washington Park Zoo while going to school for Zoology. I loved it and when a full time keep position opened in 2022, I jumped at the opportunity.
What Do you wish more people understood about your job?
We are here 365 days a year… in blizzards and heatwaves, on Christmas and Thanksgiving... the animals in our care still need to be fed and looked after.
What is the most meaningful or memorable moment you’ve experienced at WPZ?
While I was an intern, one of our crows landed on my back and was pulling on my hair tie, he then proceeded to say “whaat” then laugh. Which of course made me and the seasonal I was with laugh as well.
What part of your job brings you the most joy?
Building bonds with the animals and gaining their trust.
What is your favorite animal to work with, and why?
My favorite animal to work with is my muntjac deer Forest. I bottle raised him so I’m a little bias.
What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work when I have time I like to read, watch tv, or build flower Lego sets. I’m also renovating my home, so I do that with my brother sometimes too. And of course, visiting other zoos and aquariums.

Favorite Animal in the world? Rhinos
Coffee or Tea? Both. Iced!!!
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favorite Snack to get you through a shift? Donuts
Dream Vacation Destination? Komodo National Park (Pink Beach) in Indonesia
Favorite movie or TV show? Criminal Minds and Supernatural, Harry Potter
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I would love to fly
Go to song or artist when you need a mood boost? Mac Miller
One-word coworkers would use to describe you? Passionate
Favorite season at the Zoo? Fall, I can comfortably wear long sleeves and pants. Have to wear way too many layers in winter and constantly have to shovel pathways through snow for keepers and animals; plus worry about falling. Summer, I have to wear shorts and short sleeves which is fine, but I work with a lot of hay and when you’re sweating it just sticks to you.

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

Michigan City Chess Club
March 2 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Park Board Meeting
March 4 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
City Hall

Michigan City Quilting Club
March 11 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Chess Club
March 16 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Park Board Meeting
March 18 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
City Hall

Craft Corner
March 18 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

March Pour and Paint
March 20 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Open Game Night
March 23 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Quilting Club
March 25 @ 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