HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 21, 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
July 21, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, July 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: Jordan Gathers, Executive Director; Amy Roush, Chief Development Officer; Erin Thronton, Chief Experience Officer; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant;
Evelyn Mitchell, Superintendent III; Kelli Austin, Special Events Manager; Kelli Notteboom, Aquatics Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Sharon McBride, Councilwoman.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on June 16, 2025.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of June 16, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of July 21, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
No residents participated in this section.
Use of Parks- New Events
Amy Roush of 301 S. Saint Louis Blvd explained the Fish for Life event organized by a church held at Pinhook park. She clarified that this event is separate from the department’s annual
Gone Fishing event. She continued by describing the Parkovash Band & Friends event. This event is a reinvigoration of a previous event held by a neighborhood association; it now allows
residents to participate that are interested. Amy ended the new events by mentioning the wedding held at Sigler Amphitheater, which has seating, lights, and electric facilities, making
it suitable for larger gatherings.
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
DTSB Service Agreement
Erin Thornton presented the 2025 service agreement between Downtown South Bend and City of South Bend Parks and Arts. Key changes include the date for monthly reports, management of
the South Bend District Liquor License Program, removal of the block-by-block Ambassador program and shifting landscape and streetscape ownership. Erin highlighted DTSB will now provide
monthly reports on the 15th of each month to include feedback from the first Friday events. She continues to give updates that include the block-by-block ambassador program, previously
overseen by DTSB, which is now a part of VPA and lives under the Visitor Experience division.
The Commissioners present questions concerning the ownership behind the landscaping and streetscapes across the city.
Erin confirms these duties fall underneath VPA’s purview. She continued with updates concerning liquor licensing.
President Mark Neal calls for the record to reflect the Board will need the most current agreement but would sign the agreement presented to them during the meeting.
President Mark Neals calls for a motion.
Motion to approve the DTSB Service Agreement by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
2. Recreation Updates by Macey Hanna
Macey Hanna of 219 S. Saint Louis Blvd begins her updates with discussing the proposed changes to the family season pass for ice skating, including a $160 membership for up to six members,
with an additional $20 add-on fee for each additional child after six members.
The board discussed the impact on families, noting that most families would not see an increase, and how the new system aims to prevent families from purchasing passes together to save
costs.
Macy mentions the new system would allow better tracking of pass usage, simplifying the process for families and providing valuable data on attendance and demographics.
Continuing her updates, Macey presented the TCIF agreement for Leeper Park Tennis Court renovation, which received $500,000 in funding. She reports the project is progressing well and
is expected to be completed by the end of September of 2025.
Motion to approve the New Business items by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
Business by Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan begins by sharing his gratitude for the great weather. He continues with his updates:
The Erskine Golf Course celebrated its 100th anniversary with a great turnout, including members of the Erskine family who played the course.
The first ever, Sneaker Art showcase drew over 200 attendees, and the winners will head to the Indiana Stare Fair. The art pieces are currently displayed at the MLK Dream Center.
The July 4th fireworks celebration at Howard Park attracted over 12,000 people, with positive feedback on the display and community engagement.
The Kids Triathlon at Washington High School was a success, promoting youth recreation and activity for children aged 5-14.
South Bend’s 160th birthday celebration is ongoing, with various events branded under SB160. The website sbvpa.org/sbvpa provides a list of activities.
The Linden Ave Farmers Market at MLK Dream Center has been successful with the next event scheduled for August 9th.
The Byer’s project is progressing well, backed by a $3,000,000 in state funding, with improvements making it a prime destination.
The Studebaker Block Party at the golf course is set for August 10th, aiming to engage with the community and promote the golf course.
The Meet the Mayor event will be held on July 29th at Saint Adalbert’s, providing an opportunity for community members to engage with city departments and the Mayor.
The Fall Family Fun Fair at Rum Village is scheduled for September 6th, with the first 160 guests receiving a special surprise.
Fusion Fest will be held on September 27th and 28th, featuring two days of fun and collaboration.
Jordan concludes his updates.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next meeting scheduled will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis