We’re back for another summer of FREE workouts in June and July, and Michigan City Parks & Recreation is ready to get the community moving. Our goal is simple: less screen time, more movement, and more time together outdoors.

Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout June and July. No registration required, just show up and participate.

To stay up to date on workout locations, times, cancellations, or weather delays, be sure to sign up for the program through the Otto App:
https://app.theottoapp.com/public/org/427/item/2488

Grab a friend, bring some water, and let’s make this a healthy, active summer in Michigan City.

Annual Permits, commonly known as Beach Stickers, are now available for purchase at North Pointe Pavilion at Washington Park. Hours of Operation

2026 is the final year for physical beach stickers. While the sticker itself is going away, your access is not. With the launch of our new parking enforcement system, your license plate will serve as your identifier, eliminating the need for a physical sticker while maintaining the same access residents have always had.

To help explain the new system and answer many of the most common questions, Drew White from Access LaPorte County and Michigan City Parks & Recreation recently sat down for an interview. You can watch the full discussion on their YouTube page here:
https://youtu.be/moeEcdlmNyc?si=KZnj08Tl0n0VH4vS

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/

Sign-ups are now open for Michigan City’s longest-running summer camp, City Kids Day Camp. Over the past two years, our team has taken a hard look at how the camp operates, and we’re proud of the strides we’ve made to modernize and revamp the experience to better serve today’s youth.

Campers enjoy a summer packed with field trips, guest speakers, park visits, a boat ride, and many hands-on experiences designed to keep each day fresh and exciting. Along the way, kids make new friends, play daily games, and take part in creative activities that keep them engaged from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM throughout June and July.

City Kids Day Camp is built to be fun, active, and enriching giving kids a summer they’ll remember and parent’s peace of mind knowing their children are learning, moving, and growing in a positive environment.

To sign up or learn more, please click the link below:
City Kids Day Camp Sign Ups

Our monthly guided paint class will be taking a break for the next two months, but will come back in July with new life, new flavor, and maybe even a new name. Over the last year of implementing this program we have made changes that we think benefit it for the better, and we just want to call it something that reflects exactly what it is. Our Pour and Paints went from an adult night out to a family friendly event. We lowered the price to $15 to be more inclusive and took away the age restriction. Look for the flyer coming soon for the July event.

The fence has been placed and as of May 1st the fountain has taken down at Millennium Plaza. Laporte County Project Management will continue construction for the next few weeks with the target completion date of Memorial Day weekend. The fountain will be missed, but the future possibilities of the Plaza are endless.

Come spend a delightful afternoon with renowned birder, naturalist, and photographer Lynea Hinchman as she guides us on a captivating journey through spring in the Indiana Dunes. As the landscape awakens from winter, Lynea brings the season to life through her keen eye, deep knowledge, and passion for the natural world.

This engaging program features spectacular photographs showcasing the rich diversity of the Dunes, from colorful spring birds and elusive mammals to delicate butterflies, iridescent dragonflies, fascinating reptiles, and an array of blooming wildflowers. Each image tells a story, inviting you to slow down, observe, and appreciate the remarkable beauty found in our own backyard.

A birding expert and accomplished naturalist, Lynea Hinchman is widely respected for her broad understanding of nature well beyond birds alone. With more than 40 years of birding experience across all seven continents, she brings a global perspective, fascinating insights, and memorable stories to every presentation. Her enthusiasm is infectious, whether you are a seasoned birder or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors.

Plan to attend and be inspired by the wonders of spring in one of Indiana’s most treasured natural areas. You’re truly in for a treat.

Tara Miller
Senior Center Director
Park Senior Center
City of Michigan City

We will be showing movies in our Park System al around the city on these days. Times will follow soon.

Years With MCPR: 14 Years
How did you get started working in the zoo?
Seasonal Positions and Volunteering
What is the most meaningful or memorable moment you’ve experienced at WPZ?
Anytime you can get someone to overcome their fears of an animal, especially reptiles. It’s always a great feeling when you can get them to stay and interact and learn, these animals aren’t so scary.
Success of Milestone you are most proud of in your work.
Accomplishing any kind of training for cooperative care. I have done training for crating and wights with the marmoset troop. It makes those tasks easier and less stressful.
What part of the job brings you the most joy?
Spending time with the animals.
What hobbies or interest do you have outside of work?
I enjoy reading, gardening, video games, and going to concerts.
Any advice for anyone wanting to work in a zoo?
Never give up. Gain any experience you can from volunteering, interning, reading, etc. The field is always changing and evolving.

Favorite Animal in the world? Corvids
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Night Owl
Favorite Snack to get you through a shift? Energy Drinks
Dream Vacation Destination? Japan
Favorite movie or TV show? Anything True Crime
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Teleport
Go to song or artist when you need a mood boost? Sleep Token
One-word coworkers would use to describe you? Quiet
Favorite season at the Zoo? Fall, It’s the perfect weather outside.

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

Michigan City Chess Club
May 4 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Michigan City Quilting Club
May 13 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Bike the City
May 14 @ 5:30 pm
IBEW/NECA Building

Michigan City Chess Club
May 18 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Trail Hike
May 19 @ 5:00 pm
Millennium Plaza

Craft Corner
May 20 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Krueger Memorial Hall

Open Game Night
May 25 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Krueger Memorial hall

Michigan City Quilting Club
MMaybe 27 @ 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.
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