HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 17, 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
November 17, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, November 17, 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; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation; Cody
Risedorph, Director of Golf Operations; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Olivia Sanchez, Special Events Manager; Kelli Notteboom, Aquatics Manager; Garry Harrington, Rum Village
Manager; Shay Davis, Director of Community Outreach; and Breana Micou, Project Manager.
Other city representatives present: Mayor James Mueller; Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Ophelia Gooding-Rogers, Councilwoman.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on October 20, 2025.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of October 20, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Motion to approve the consent agenda of November 17, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Resolution of Bob Heiderman
A resolution was read by each of the Commissioners recognizing Bob Heiderman’s extensive career, including roles as an aquatic supervisor, lifeguard, and initiator of key programs such
as the kids triathlon and East Way waterway operations.
The Mayor presented Bob Heiderman with the Key to the City, acknowledging his six decades of dedication and impact on the City.
Bob Heiderman thanks the City for the Key to the City.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
Calvin Johnson, a resident of Deer Hollow subdivision, addressed the board to highlight the issue of no park or sidewalk access in their neighborhood and formally requested consideration
for future improvements.
Outstanding Partner of the month- Phi Beta Sigma
Amy Roush, Chief Development Officer, recognized Phi Beta Sigma for their community service, including youth scholarship support, donations, and event partnerships with Calvin Johnson
and other fraternity members present to accept the honor.
Calvin Johnson and other fraternity members thank Venues Parks and Art for their commitment and contributions to the City of South Bend, and thank the Commissioners for their role in
the community.
Use of Parks- New Events
Portage School of Leaders Graduation Ceremony, Leeper Park Island, June 6, 2026
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
2026 Proposed Rates- Macey Hanna
Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation, outlined the proposed rate increases for summer tennis camp, softball complex rentals, and new facilities such as Leeper Park Tennis Center, explaining
that the highlighted changes reflect new or adjusted rates while most rates remain unchanged.
Macy and Amy clarified that school groups will have unique arrangements, with rates based on actual usage and flexibility to negotiate contracts, aiming for fairness and consistency
across all schools; upcoming meetings with schools are planned to finalize details. They mention other rate changes include increases for soccer and football field rentals, adjustments
for ice skating programs and private rentals, and maintaining some rates to keep activities affordable for families.
Motion to approve the 2026 proposed rates by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
First Amendment to the Agreement for Services by and between the City of South Bend and Downtown South Bend, Inc.
Erin Thornton, Chief of Visitor Experience informs the Commissioners the amendment updates the agreement to accurately reflect the city's intended total commitment to DTSB, increasing
the documented amount by $15,000 to match the actual allocation. A new agreement with DTSB is expected for the December term of 2026, ensuring continued alignment between documentation
and actual services provided.
Motion to approve the First Amendment to the Agreement for Services by and between the City of South Bend and Downtown South Bend, Inc by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins,
motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
EAC Applications Open- Macey Hanna
Macey Hanna informed the board that no applications were received for the EAC committee by the October 31st deadline, so the deadline was extended to November 30th, with plans to review
applications at the December meeting.
Report by Director of Golf Operations Cody Risedorph
Cody Rice, Director of Golf Operations, presented a comprehensive report on the 2025 golf season, including financial performance, community outreach, youth programming, capital investments,
and upcoming operational changes. The golf division exceeded its $2.4 million revenue goal, saw a 4% increase in rounds played, and achieved record revenue at Studebaker, attributed
to operational improvements and increased community engagement. The division hosted free junior tournaments, high school practices, block parties, and women's clinics, and continued
the Kids Golf Free program, which saw 1,000 children register and 5,000 rounds played, representing nearly 25% of all rounds. Partnerships with organizations like First Tee and Youth
on Course provided affordable access for youth and generated additional revenue through stipends for rounds played by junior golfers. Significant investments included new golf carts,
mowing equipment, and maintenance tools, improving course quality and operational efficiency, with positive feedback from users.
Cody concluded with informing the Commissioners the division will transition to the Four Up golf software platform for integrated management, enhance security systems, invest in irrigation
repairs, and develop inclusive instructional programs, with plans for continued community engagement and efficiency improvements.
Business by Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan begins by sharing his gratitude to the VPA team and congratulates Bob Heiderman for his 60 years of service.
Community Outreach and Holiday Initiatives - The department is organizing hot meal giveaways at the MLK Dream Center and Charles Black Community Center, and recently distributed over
170 pairs of shoes to community members.
Awards and Recognition- The department received two Indiana Park and Recreation Association Awards of Excellence for Fusion Fest and equity and arts programming, with plans to showcase
the awards in the new arts space.
Holiday Décor and Events- Holiday lighting and decorations are being expanded to multiple park facilities, and the Winter Open event is scheduled for November 28th and 29th, featuring
ice skating and local vendor markets.
Jordan concludes his updates.
Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:08 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next meeting scheduled will be held Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis