HomeMy WebLinkAboutOcotber 20, 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
October 20, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, October 20, 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 Development Officer; Erin Thronton, Chief Experience Officer;
Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation; Olivia Sanchez, Special Events Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Ophelia Gooding-Rogers, Councilwoman.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on August 18, 2025.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of August 18, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of October 20, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
Mark Vasecki of South Bend, a friend of VPA former employee, Dave Firestone. Vasecki expressed his concerns about the termination of Dave Firestone, a long-serving golf pro. He continued
to address his concerns about Dave’s termination and mentioned he believed it was abrupt and not handled properly and does not reflect well on the administration. He also questioned
how to find agendas and minutes on the VPA site.
No comments were made by the board.
Anastasia Smith-Davis, board clerk, informed Mark Vasecki that she is willing to assist him after the meeting to assist in finding the documents online.
Outstanding Partner of the Month- Linden Grill
Executive Director, Jordan Gathers emphasizes the business’s positive and long-lasting impact on the community. He recognizes the many years of service and award winning food served
over the last 25 years. He invites a representative from Linden Grill to speak.
Owner, Fonnie Mack, thanks the board and VPA for the award and briefly shares the business’s history and expresses the pride in their role in the community.
New Business
Rescinding and Approving of the Wesley Legacy Foundation MOU
Chief of Development, Amy Roush explained to the board the need to rescind the previously approved MOU with the Wesley Legacy Foundation. City legal representative, Michael Schmidt,
adds additional clarification, confirmed the board is to rescind the MOU and replace it with the edited MOU provided with the most accurate long-term version.
Amy discusses the start date being moved back to allow both parties to sign and Michael added the new MOU allows the Wesley Legacy Foundation to work with affiliated groups, granting
them access to space.
Motion to approve the Wesley Legacy Foundation MOU by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
2. River City Real Estate LLC Lease Agreement
President, Mark Neal, is recused from this agenda item due to potential conflict of interest.
Amy Roush presented the finalized lease agreement with River City Real Estate LLC. She informs the board that all parties have agreed upon the terms and initially was signed in August
2025 and is now ready for board approval.
Motion to approve the River City Real Estate LLC Lease Agreement by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 2-0.
3. VPA & Zoological Society Agreement
Josh Sisk explained that the zoo sought to expand liquor sales to their existing beer and wine offerings to better serve corporate events and increase revenue, noting the loss of some
events due to current restrictions. Josh provided figures showing significant revenue from beer and while and the projected additional revenue from liquor sales, which would support
zoo operations.
Michael Schmidt clarified that the amendment would be under the zoo’s liquor license and would not increase liability for the park board or city.
Motion to approve the VPA & Zoological Society Agreement by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll-call vote 3-0.
Report by Chief of Development Amy Roush
Amy Roush provided the board with a detailed recap of Fusion Fest 2025. Amy reported the festival had just under 30,000 attendees, a slight decrease from previous years due to shortened
hours, and discussed
possible schedule adjustments for next year to better accommodate attendees. This festival featured 95 food vendors, 40 artisan vendors, and 47 performing groups, with efforts underway
to expand vendor capacity and maintain a cohesive festival atmosphere. Highlights include a successful artisan market, a drone show with improved visibility and music pairing, and expanded
Kid Zone activities with partner organizations and digital time capsule for the city’s 160th birthday. This event was supported by over 20 sponsors and relied on significant contributions
from city departments and volunteers, with plans to thank sponsors publicly and continue improving the festival.
Business by Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan begins by sharing his gratitude to the VPA team for their contribution to Fusion Fest 2025 He continues with his updates:
Leeper Park tennis court project is on track to finish within the month, with new post-tension concrete courts expected to elevate play and attract tournaments.
Byers, upgrades at Byers Park are progressing well, with a new sign installed and a 2026 opening planned.
Community events, recent events such as movies in the Park at Howard Park and Treats on the Trail at Pinhook were well attended, with over 1,000 participants at the latter.
The 2026 budget was unanimously approved by the council, with acknowledgment of the support from council members and the mayor. Jordan expresses the changes in state legislation will
affect city funding in future years, prompting a proactive approach to services. As a result of budget constraints, nine employees were let go as part of a broader citywide strategy.
He emphasized the commitment to continue delivering high-quality services despite reduced staffing.
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, November 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis