HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 21 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
April 21, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Howard Park Event Center, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd and virtually on Microsoft Teams
for its regular meeting. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting were duly given as required by law. The public was provided with a link to join the virtual meeting.
Park Board members present were as follows:
Mr. Mark Neal, President
Ms. Consuella Hopkins, Vice President
Mr. Sam Centellas
VPA staff members present: Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreational Experiences; Cynthia Taylor, Director of Community Programming; Cody Risedorph,
Director of Golf; Olivia Sanchez, Special Events Manager; Evelyn Mitchell, Superintendent III; Gary Demski, Athletics Manager; Demetrius Kennedy, Volunteer Coordinator; Kelli Notteboom,
Aquatics Manager; and Mercedes Aguirre, Project Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
President Mark Neal communicates that Executive Director; Jordan Gathers is ill and will not be present for the meeting. He sends his well wishes and continues the meeting.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on March 17, 2025.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of March 17, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of April 21, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
Andy Tucker introduces himself and his involvement with the 35th Street Wetlands subcommittee. Andy discusses the importance of the park and highlights the progress of the unique ecological
significance and potential to serve a large, underserved area. Andy gives thanks to the Board of Commissioners for allocating $5,000 for improvements at the site, especially for invasive
plant management and native plantings. He concludes his time with sharing details of a recent park clean up and commented on how there is an ongoing need for trash mitigation.
Outstanding Partner: First Student
Anastasia Smith-Davis introduces the outstanding partner of the month, recognizing them for their support with providing free transportation for various VPA events. She recalls Ty from
First Student reached out Amy Roush inquiring if there was a transportation service for festival goers at Fusion Fest 2024. From there, First Student has been a great partner assisting
in events like the Family Fall Fair, Treats on the Trail, and the upcoming Erskine 100 celebration.
First Student representatives were presented with a certificate and a photo opportunity.
Use of Parks- New Events
Demetrius Kennedy, Volunteer Coordinator with VPA discusses the Run for Roses Wine Tasting event at Leeper Park Rose Garden event on May 3. The event involves a walk/run that ends with
wine tasting in the Rose Garden. Demetrius confirms the organizers have all the necessary insurance and paperwork needed to proceed.
Demetrius continues to give an update on the Health Link PTSD Health Fair at Howard Park on June 27. He explains that this is the first event of this type in the city but the organization
has done them in surrounding regions.
Motion to approve the Use of Parks- New Events by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
New Business
Walker Field Park Sign Agreement
Michael Schmidt introduces the Walker Field Park sign agreement and explains this grants access to the neighborhood for signage and landscaping. The agreement includes ongoing responsibilities
for neighborhood groups in case of disrepair.
Motion to approve the Walker Field Park Sign Agreement by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
Department Report by Director Cody Risedorph
Cody Risedorph provides an overview of the progress of the golf programs and community outreach efforts of the Venues Parks and Arts department of 2024. He gives key highlights that
include the increased rounds of golf played, significant revenue growth, and various community partnerships and events. His report also covers the success of the First Tee program,
which saw a 16% increase in participation and nearly 3,000 rounds of golf played by kids. Plans for 2025 include capital improvements in facilities and equipment, as well as continued
efforts to grow the First Tee program and other community initiatives.
Commissioners compliment Cody’s presentation and mention their interest in hearing an update from First Tee in future meetings.
Consuella Hopkins inquiries about the revenue generated from concessions during high school tournaments. Cody clarifies that the revenue generated is not retained by the Parks Department
but donated back to the schools.
Sam Centellas shares his concerns of the course conditions after the server wind storm weeks prior. Cody confirms the courses are all in great condition post storm despite minor tree
damage.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 5:37 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next meeting scheduled will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis