HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 18, 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
August 18, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, August 18, 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; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; Amy Roush, Chief of Development and Marketing; Erin Thornton, Chief Experience
Officer; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreational Experiences; Cody Risedorph, Director of Golf; Demetrius Kennedy, Volunteer Coordinator; Kelli
Notteboom, Aquatics Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney, and Councilwoman, Sharon McBride.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on July 21, 2025.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of July 21, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of August 18, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Use of Parks- New Events
Demetrius Kennedy of 301 S. Saint Louis Blvd led the board in reviewing the four new events. Demetrius introduced a church-led fundraising event at Kelly Park scheduled for August 30th;
he confirmed the events purpose and logistics. This event is aimed at bringing families together. The next event discussed was a back-to-school bash at Southeast Park on September 17th,
organized for new and returning students. To follow, Demetrius gave details about the Hispanic Heritage Run held at Howard Park on October 4. This event is organized by Savino Rivera
and the Oregon Bush Club as a 5k run/walk in support of Hispanic Heritage month following a similar route as the annual Breast Cancer Walk.
The Commissioners make a few comments on the events, praising the unique variety of events coming to the Park spaces. President Neal calls for a motion to approve.
Motion to approve the Use of Parks: New Events, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
No residents participated.
Outstanding Partner of the Month – Rico Suave
Executive Director, Jordan Gathers shares a touching message about the Outstanding Partner, Rico Suave. He thanks the organization for their outstanding contributions to local events
and their support of the community.
The owners expressed their gratitude and shared their business origin story with the Commissioners. They thank the Commissioners and the VPA teams for the support.
New Business
Closing Howard Park for Fusion Fest Set Up
Amy Roush, Chief Development Officer, discussed the preparations for Fusion Fest 2025. Amy outlined the fencing schedule, park closure dates and times, and security arrangements, ensuring
the community will have access and business considerations were addressed. She continued by confirming there will be overnight security and it would begin on September 9th with coordination
to maintain access for local businesses during the event.
Motion to approve the Closing of Howard Park for Fusion Fest, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Fusion Fest IBEW Lease Agreement
Amy continues to provide detailed information about the IBEW Local 53 lease agreement. This agreement included full electrical services during Fusion Fest, with the Union providing full-time
electricians and master-level staff.
Motion to approve the Fusion Fest IBEW Lease Agreement, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
River City Real Estate, LLC Lease Agreement
Michael Schmidt, city legal representative, present the proposed five-year parking agreement with River City Real Estate LLC. Michael explained the $5,000 per year, five-year agreement
for parking space use , emphasizing its intentionally flexible terms to accommodate future city needs.
The Commissioners raised questions about if there would be any potential changes to signage and use.
Michael clarified the agreement did not specify signage changes and is aimed at maintaining good relations with neighboring businesses. Michael informed the Board that they would be
approving this agreement and allow Executive Director; Jordan Gathers to make necessary modifications.
Motion to approve the River City Real Estate, LLC Lease Agreement, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Wesley Foundation Partnership MOU
Amy Roush introduced the MOU with Wesley Legacy Foundation for office and program space at the O’Brien Center, outlining the terms and foundation’s commitment to community programming.
She described the Wesley Foundation’s connection to the South Bend community and their interest in supporting the O’Brien Center and related programs. Continuing, Amy shares this MOU
grants the Foundation use of four offices, a conference area, and reception space, as well as access to gymnasiums and meeting rooms for community programs. The Foundation will compensate
the city $12,000 annually to offset costs and will provide basketball and youth programming in partnership with the city.
The conversation continues with Coby joining Michael and sharing details about the convertible fields.
Attorney, Michael Schmidt clarifies the action of the Park Board, which is a motion to approve the Board of Park Commissioners co-signing the board of zoning application.
President Mark Neal calls for a motion.
Motion to approve the Wesley Legacy Foundation Partnership MOU by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
Resolution 5022-23- Honoring Aaron Perri
Amy Roush presented the resolution to name the plaza at Seitz Part in honor of Aaron Perri. Amy explained the council’s previous recognition of Aaron Perri and the oversight in not naming
the plaza during the park’s opening, which is now being corrected. She continues to inform the Commissioners that a draft sign has been presented with the plan to finalize the design
in consultation with Mr. Perri and to place it prominently at the plaza.
Motion to approve the Resolution 5022-23- Honoring Aaron Perri, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
Report by Chief of Visitor Experience Erin Thornton
Erin Thornton, Chief of Visitor Experience, provides an overview of the new Visitor Experience division. Erin introduced the division’s leadership team and described four pillars: safety,
custodial, maintenance, and engagement, each with dedicated staff and responsibilities. This new division has centralized custodial services under Evelyn Mitchell and downtown maintenance
under Paul Moreland, focusing on efficiency, team culture, and the use of technology and metrics to improve operations. Safety is managed by Brian Garner and a forthcoming superintendent
with efforts to centralize incident reporting, enhance training, and align with CAPRA certification requirements. Erin continued informing the Commissioners that the new engagement
superintendent will focus on hospitality and human interaction in parks, with plans for service standards, branding, and measurable impact. The division is implementing unified service
standards, data-driven performance measurement, and storytelling to highlight successes and foster a positive culture.
The Commissioners welcome Erin and encourage her to continue the great works.
Business by Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan begins by thanking team VPA and briefly mentions budget season is in full swing. He continues with the following updates:
Sneaker Art Showcase saw triumph victory as our first-round winners attended the second round of competition in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fair. Two of our youth participants
won first place. Winning sneakers can be found on display at the MLK Dream Center.
Don’t forget about SB160! We are celebrating the city’s 160th anniversary all year round. The SB160 sign can be found at Fridays by the Fountain at Seitz Park this Friday at 6pm.
Mayor Mueller is throwing the first pitch at the South Bend Cubs game Friday at 7pm.
Linden Farmer’s Market is thriving! Each market sees increased attendance and participation from community members.
Successful groundbreaking at Leeper Park, honoring the late David Filler. Amazing turnout from community. Ribbon cutting date to be announced in late fall.
VPA will be hosting a community engagement event for the Kennedy Park project, pending date of September 4th.
Fall Family Fun Fair returns for another year! Held at Rum Village, expect fun!
Fusion Fest makes it’s return for the 3rd year in a row on September 27th and 28th. New additions to the festival include a carousel, skating rink, biergarten for those 21+, and a family
friendly drone show!
Jordan concludes his updates.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:18 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next meeting scheduled will be held Monday, October 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis