Washington Park Annual Parking Passes “Beach Stickers”

Beach Stickers have been a part of the annual Washington Park experience for locals for years. While we know they’ll always be referred to as such, we’re beginning to call them Annual Parking Passes; because the truth is, our operation is evolving. In the coming years, we’ll be moving away from physical stickers altogether, and this shift in language is the first step in preparing for that change.

Who Gets What?

• Civil City Residents: You live within Michigan Civil City limits, and your taxes support Michigan City Parks & Recreation. You’re eligible for a free Annual Parking Pass. Registration is from May 1 to July 3.

• LaPorte County Residents: This is your home too, but your taxes support either the City of LaPorte or the LaPorte County Parks Department. You still receive a reduced rate for the year.

  If you visit even twice, the pass pays for itself.

Sticker Office Hours

📍 May 1 – July 3
🕒 Tuesday–Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
🕘 Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM

After July 3, even Civil City residents will be charged the county rate for an Annual Parking Pass as continued sale impacts the admin office during our busy season. There are exceptions:

• New vehicles purchased after July 3rd

• Broken windshields-= must bring in a piece of original sticker

• Recently move to Michigan City

• Other unique situations

We understand that some cases are special. We ask that you contact the office directly. This is not a guarantee that things will go your way, but we will listen.

What Is and Isn’t Valid

• Senior Center cards or tags, Government issued IDs, or verbal claims are not valid for entry.

• Stickers not attached to the windshield are not valid.

Looking Ahead

We’re working on major changes to improve traffic flow, validate parking for zoo and restaurant patrons, and offer better solutions for facility renters.

As Michigan City continues to evolve, expect bigger events and longer seasons. While Labor Day marks the end of beach season, parking operations will continue as long as weather and staffing permits.

One of the biggest complaints we hear is that “visitors should pay more.” If locals and LaPorte County residents register for their Annual Parking Passes, that’s exactly what will happen. Visitors will be the ones paying daily rates through the extended season and special events, while local residents have their pass.

Whether or not you get your pass, that’s up to you. Whether you get there before other people get there is also up to you.

Michigan City Youth Baseball Leagues

Over the past two years, Michigan City Parks & Recreation has made meaningful progress in revitalizing our Youth Baseball programming. With a focus on accessibility, community, and fun, we’ve taken steps to ensure that every child who loves the game has a chance to play it.

In 2025, we upgraded our gear and equipment and introduced proper storage solutions to extend their lifespan. We also launched a fall T-ball league and partnered with the Michigan City High School Baseball team to kick off Fall Ball opportunities for elementary and middle school students; a collaboration that’s already building bridges between age groups and skill levels.

Looking ahead, we plan to make better use of our city parks for younger leagues, reserving the premier Patriot Park fields for our 11U and 14U divisions. This shift allows us to preserve our inner-city fields while also opening up weekday rental opportunities at Patriot Park, increasing its revenue potential.

League Director Cary Krachinski and I are committed to continually raising the bar for our leagues. We believe that Parks & Rec baseball isn’t meant to compete with travel ball and that’s okay. Not every kid dreams of pitching in the MLB, but every kid who loves baseball deserves a place to play, learn, and grow.

Our mission is to provide:

• Strong fundamentals of the game

• Tangible life skills that extend beyond sports

• A deeper sense of community

• A positive, inclusive experience for all participants

We’re also exploring new ways to activate Patriot Park year-round. In 2026, you might see adult and youth tournaments for kickball and wiffleball, winter activities like sledding or cross-country skiing, and even events like paintball, laser tag, capture-the-flag tournaments, or concerts. We’re also bringing back the banner sponsorship program, offering local businesses a chance to connect with over 15,000 unique annual visitors (according to Placer.ai).

Michigan City Youth Baseball is growing and we’re just getting started.

Public Comment at Board Meetings

We want to explain the purpose and process of the Public Comment section at our board meetings and reassure our community that your voice matters.

What is Public Comment?
Public Comment is a designated time during board meetings where residents can share thoughts, concerns, or suggestions directly with the board. It’s a vital part of civic engagement and helps us stay connected to the needs of our community. At the Park Board Meetings, we have public comment on each agenda item where comments must be related to the agenda item; and we have an open public comment section at the end of the meeting.

Standard Practice

• Comments should relevant to parks, recreation, or Park Board matters, with speakers encouraged to share relevant concerns, suggestions, or feedback.

• Public Comment is one-way: Board members listen and take notes but do not respond during Public Comment.

• This ensures fairness, keeps meetings on schedule, and allows everyone a chance to speak.

• Comments are limited to 3 minutes per person.

So, When Do Responses Happen?
While we don’t respond during the meeting, we do follow up:

• If your comment relates to an agenda item, it may be discussed immediately before the vote.

• Following our end of meeting Public Comment section, we have Board Comments where some comments will be address.

• Other comments will be reviewed by the board and department after the meeting for proper response at a later meeting.

We strive to ensure every comment receives the attention it deserves.

Our Commitment to You
We want our residents to know: You are not being ignored.
We are committed to doing our due diligence to review, respond, and act on your input. Your participation helps shape our decisions and improve our community.

Thank you for being engaged and helping us build a better Michigan City together!

Park Board Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board gathered on October 15 for a wide-ranging meeting that highlighted both operational updates and community engagement efforts.

A major focus of the session was the proposed 2026 golf fees and contracts. Discussions included refund policies for special circumstances like the passing of a passholder, updated pricing for individual and group outings, and private golf cart storage options. The board also expressed appreciation for the golf course staff’s outstanding maintenance work.

Bids for the Washington Park Zoo’s upcoming Wings of Wonder exhibit were reviewed, with proposals ranging from $440,000 to over $747,000. Due to significant differences in cost and timelines, the board opted to hold the bids for further evaluation.

Zoo admission fees for 2026 were also discussed, with an emphasis on keeping the zoo accessible while managing rising operational costs. Ideas included validating parking for zoo visitors and addressing credit card processing fees.

The meeting also celebrated community contributions, including volunteer efforts from Horizon Bank and a local Eagle Scout project. Updates were shared on winterizing park facilities and upcoming seasonal events. Throughout the meeting, board members emphasized the importance of keeping fee increases reasonable despite state funding cuts, ensuring that Michigan City residents continue to enjoy high-quality recreational experiences.

This meeting showcased the board’s thoughtful approach to balancing affordability, sustainability, and community enrichment hallmarks of Michigan City Parks and Recreation’s mission.

Community Events

The OttoApp

Click Here to See Scores and Standings for Leagues

We have made an official switch from Jarvis to The OttoApp. We love that 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. 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

City Kids Craft Corner Returns!! Free & More Fun!!

Michigan City Parks & Recreation is thrilled to announce the return of City Kids Craft Corner, and this time, it’s completely free for all participants!

Now led by the talented team at Kazidelicious Creations, this beloved program is getting a fresh burst of creativity. With years of crafting experience and a passion for guiding kids through artistic exploration, Kazidelicious Creations brings a warm, imaginative energy to every session.

Each event may feature a special craft of the day, but the heart of City Kids Craft Corner is all about freedom to create. Kids are encouraged to dive into the supplies, follow their inspiration, and let their imaginations run wild.

Whether your child is a seasoned crafter or just discovering their creative spark, this is the perfect space to explore, learn, and have fun.

Keep an eye out for the next City Kids Craft Corner event and come ready to make something magical!

Discover the Untold Stories: First-Ever Washington Park Zoo Historical Tour

History and wildlife come together for a unique experience at the first-ever Washington Park Zoo Historical Tour, happening Sunday, November 2 with two tour times available: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Admission is just $15 per person, which includes:

• Free parking

• Zoo entry

• A 90-minute guided tour

Children 10 and under are free, making this a great outing for families and curious minds of all ages.

How to Participate:

• Sign up through the Michigan City Zoological Society Facebook event page (coming soon!)

• Or simply show up the day of the event, we’ll be ready to welcome you.

For more information, contact Johnny Stimley at
[email protected] or 219-229-1567.

Come be part of history and help support two pillars of Michigan City’s heritage!

A Silent Night Silent Party:

Michigan City Parks & Recreation is closing out the year with a festive twist on nightlife, introducing the Silent Night Silent Party, a 21+ silent disco experience at Krueger Memorial Hall on December 27, 2025.

This one-of-a-kind event invites guests to dance to their own beat with wireless headphones, choosing from multiple music channels spun live by three DJs. Whether you're into holiday remixes, smooth R&B, or high-energy dance hits, there's a vibe for everyone, all in a cozy, winter-themed setting.

Expect twinkling lights, cash bar, and plenty of photo worthy moments. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the holidays and celebrate the season with friends, music, and good vibes.

🎟️ Tickets are just $25 and will be available soon. Space is limited, so keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for early bird announcements and giveaways.

Get Your Tickets Now!!!

Chess Club

We are excited that a community chess club is back in Michigan City. We will be meeting on 1st and 3rd Mondays at Krueger Memorial Hall from 5:30-7:30 PM. This club is open for all skill levels. We have people that can train kids and adults on how to play the game. Right now, there is no cost to be in the club. All persons under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Trail Hikes

Until Next Time

As the waves roll in and the seasons shift, we’re reminded that every moment in Michigan City is a chance to connect, create, and celebrate. Whether you're exploring a new trail, laughing at a comedy show, or simply soaking in the lakeside breeze, thank you for being part of our story.

We’ll be back soon with more updates, events, and inspiration. Until then, stay curious, stay kind, and keep making memories.

See you around the parks. 🌳

If you have any questions please reach out to us via email at [email protected] or give us a call (219)873-1506.