HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 15, 2025 Park Board MinutesSouth Bend Board of Park Commissioners
Regular Meeting
December 15, 2025
The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday, December 15, 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; Cynthia Taylor, Director of Community Programming; Erin Thornton, Chief of
Visitor Experience; Dezha Moore, Chief of Venues and Promotion; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation; Cody Risedorph, Director of Golf; Mercedes
Aguirre, Project Manager; and Clinton Chamberlin, Events Manager.
Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, City Councilwoman.
Call to Order
Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm.
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on November 17, 2025, meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of November 17, 2025 by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Consent Agenda
Commissioners and Assistant City Attorney noted Consent Agenda item number three, Approval of 2026 Park Board Dates should have a separate motion. This item will have action taken during
the New Business portion of the meeting.
Motion to approve the consent agenda of December 15, 2025, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Interviewing of Interested Residents
No residents spoke during this time.
Outstanding Partner of the Month- Southern Aroma
Executive Director, Jordan Gathers recognized Southern Aroma Catering LLC, for leadership and positive impact on the community, both through their great food service and their role in
bringing people together. Jordan noted Sothern Aroma catered Venues Parks and Arts recent staff holiday celebration, which left employees praising the quality of food.
The board presented Southern Aroma with an award and took a commemorative photo in the lobby of Howard Park. After the photo, the board returned to the meeting space.
New Business
2026 Proposed Golf Rates
Director of Golf, Cody Risedorph presented the 2026 proposed golf rates and outlined recent and planned facility improvements. Cody begins with the rate adjustments, explaining the greens
fees would increase by $2, positioning rates competitively within the market, while seasonal pass prices would remain unchanged to encourage more residents to purchase passes. Cody
continued detailing over $600,000 invested in new mowing equipment and $150,000 in irrigation upgrades, as well as improvements to golf carts and implantation of semi-annual top dressing
program at Elbel. A new golf software system, improved website, and mobile app have been introduced to enhance communication and tee time booking for residents and customers.
Motion for approval 2026 Proposed Golf Rates by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
2026 Invictus Agreement
Chief of Visitor Experience, Erin Thornton, presents the 2026 Invictus Agreement to the board. The agreement will start early in the year, covering January through December, allowing
flexibility for additional security at various venues, focusing on key event periods. A series of security performance reviews were conducted. The feedback indicated significant improvements
in Invictus staff engagement and approachability compared to previous years, with no major incidents reported and a strong partnership with local authorities. Erin also noted the upcoming
implementation of an electronic tracking system for security incidents. Erin informed the Commissioners she would provide more precise data in future reports.
Motion to approve the 2026 Invictus Agreement by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
VPA & DTSB Agreement
Chief of Visitor Experience, Erin Thornton, presents again on the 2026 DTSB Agreement with VPA. This agreement includes a shift from 11 to 12 operational payments to align with the calenda
year and introduces a RACI matrix to delineate responsibilities among parties. Erin explained the RACI matrix’s function in project management, clarifying who is responsible, accountable,
consulted, and informed for various actions within the DTSB partnership. This matrix was developed as an exhibit to allow for adjustments without requiring board approval for every
change, facilitating smoother collaboration between the city and DTSB.
Motion to approve the 2026 VPA & DTSB Agreement by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Approval of the 2026 Park Board Dates
The Commissioners reviewed the dates presented by the clerk, Anastasia Smith-Davis. The note that January’s original meeting date of January 19th is a national holiday and decided to
move the meeting up a week to January 12th. The Commissioners found no discrepancies with any other dates.
Motion to approve the 2026 Park Board meeting dates by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Report by Organization- Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Andy Schnabel
EAC Chair, Andy Schnabel of 113th St opens with thanking the EAC committee members for their service. He highlighted the addition of two horticulturalists to the department of Forestry,
and noted the committee’s quiet but productive year. He noted the EAC has continued efforts on the 35th St. Wetlands, submitted recommendations for future steps, and maintained monthly
“weed warrior” events at Rum Village to address invasive species. Continuing, Andy stated the committee worked alongside John Martinez on public education signage about geese and moving
practices and engaged in public discussions to raise awareness of ecological health in parks. The EAC was asked to reassess the natural resource management plan but is waiting for further
clarification from John Martinez regarding the scope and expectations. Concluding his presentation, Andy closes with the announcement of the anticipated tree ordinance completion, which
is in final review with the committee. He expresses hope for its adoption after a multi-year process.
The Commissioners thank Andy and the committee for their great dedication and service to the EAC.
Report by Director of Community Programming Cynthia Taylor
Cynthia Taylor begins her presentation with a focus on recreation, mental recharge, and community reunification. In 2025 her team engaged over 500 youth in career readiness, expanding
to 10 parks and 4 schools, and increasing participation in key events. She continued with updates on the Youth Employment and Financial Literacy programs. The summer youth program grew
from 55 hires, with a 95% participation rate in the savings match program, and financial literacy workshops which led to tangible outcomes such as home and car purchases by youth participants.
She then noted operational challenges and innovations. Some of their programmatic challenges included weather delays and communication logistics, while innovations included improved
Wi-fi at the O’Brien skate park and hands-on experience with the Fire Department at key events. She concluded her presentation with updates on future plans and data tracking. The plans
for 2026 include a summer job fair, expanded events, increased youth employment, and enhanced data tracking through Amilia system to better measure program impact and support funding
efforts.
The Commissioners discuss the challenges and date tracking improvements and congratulate Cythina Taylor and her team for their great community work.
Business by Chief Executive Director Jordan Gathers
Jordan expresses gratitude to the leadership of Mayor Mueller, the Common Council, Park Board Commissioners, and VPA teams for their support and briefly highlights their growth and success
in programs and events. He continued to give the following updates:
He celebrates all projects are moving forward and events are increasing.
Currently our health and wellness classes like Zumba, Dance, and Senior exercise classes are in session.
We are in full swing of ice-skating season at Howard Park. Weekly skating specials of $5 sessions.
Preparing for the New Years eve event and drone show at Howard Park. The drone show will include 250 drones and many festivities for community members .
VPA has expanded lighting displays at multiple park facilities, inspiring neighborhood associations to enhance their own lighting.
The Commissioners discuss the opportunities for improved seating and viewing areas of the beautiful seasonal lighting.
The Kennedy Park project has reached 60% design completion and is nearing 90% with plans to hold a community session to share updates and a goal to open in 2027.
This concluded the updates by Executive Director, Jordan Gathers.
XI. Adjournment
No other questions or comments from the Park Commissioners, meeting adjourned at 6:04 pm by President Mark Neal.
The next scheduled meeting will be held Monday, January 12, at 5:00 p.m. at Martin Luther King Center Event Center and virtually.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis