HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 20, 2026 Park Board MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
April 20, 2026 The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday April 20, 2026, at Howard Park Ribbon Town Room, 219 S. Saint 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: Allie Dolz-Lane, Interim Executive Director; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; Erin Thornton, Chief Experience Officer; Dezha Moore, Chief of Venues and
Promotion; ; John Martinez (virtual), Chief of Park Operations; Amy Roush, Director of Experiences and Events; Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation; Olivia Sanchez, Marketing Manager; Mercedes Aguirre, Project Manager; Evelyn Mitchell, Superintendent III; and Garry Harrington, Rum Village Center-
Manager. Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, 2nd District Councilwoman; and Sharon McBride, 3rd District Councilwoman. I. Call to Order President, Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm.
Mark acknowledges all Board Members are present with the additional of Interim Executive Director,
Alli Dolz-Lane.
II. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on March 16, 2026, meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minute of March 16, 2026, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam
Centellas, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
III. Consent Agenda
Sam Centellas motions to pull out action item 3a from the Consent agenda and approve as is.
Motion to approve the consent agenda of April 20, 2026, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella
Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
Item 3a
Macey Hanna speaks on action item 3a- U93 Duck Drop, Seitz Park, June 6, 2026. She explained the
history of the hospital fundraiser and the involvement of COSB fire department. Many environmental
precautions are taken such as netting placed in the river to catch any stray ducks. Macey continues by
stating individuals and organizations can purchase ducks and place them in the East Race to see which
one floats to the finish line first.
Motion to approve item 3a on April 20, 2026, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas, motion
carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
IV. Interviewing of Interested Residents
No residents spoke at this time.
V. Outstanding Partner of the Month- St. Joseph County Health Department
Board Clerk, Anastasia highlighted the close collaboration and partnership between VPA and the health
department’s food division. The health department’s involvement in vendor inspections and compliance
during Fusion Fest, and the presence of 10-12 inspectors each year to ensure food safety.
President, Mark Neal invites a member of the St. Joseph County Health Department to speak on the
partnership.
Karen Teague and Carolyn Smith speak on behalf of the health department.
Karen Teague, Interim Director of Food Services, announced the recent retirement of previous Director,
Carolyn Smith. Karen recognized Carolyn for her nearly 30 years of service, expressing her gratitude for
Carolyn’s contribution and leadership.
Carolyn reflected on the teamwork and progress achieved for the community through the partnership with
VPA.
VI. Use of Parks- New Events
A brief presentation on four new events in various VPA parks is presented by Amy Roush.
The Commissioners questioned item 2 under new events, Steps for Safe Paws in Howard Park. Amy
confirmed the team would have more details in the May meeting.
Motion to approve the Use of Park -New events, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuela Hopkins,
motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
VII. New Business
1. EAC Membership Application- Garry Harrington
Garry Harrington, Rum Village manager and EAC liaison, presented the application of Diana Zebroski
for the EAC (Ecological Advocacy Committee).
There were no questions from the Commissioners.
Motion to approve the EAC membership for Diana Zebroski, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella
Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
2. Howard Park Ice Skating Rate Change- Macey Hanna
Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation, proposed a $1 increase in general admission rates for Howard Park
ice skating and a 50% scholarship discount for the Learn to Skate program.
The Commissioners discussed how affordable this increase would be for the community and approved the
changes.
Motion to approve the Howard Park Ice Skating Rate Change, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella
Hopkins, carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
3. Resolution No. 2026-003
Michael Schmidt, City Attorney, explained the permit for O’Brien Park. He reported concerns identifying
and reporting dry wells (wellheads) to the county, with two currently identified with a possibility of
further pending review. He continued stating this resolution allows engineering department to sign
necessary documents without requiring board approval for each item, streamlining the process during
ongoing construction.
Motion to approve Resolution No. 2026-003 by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion
carried. Roll call 3-0.
4. Rum Village Park- Gertrude Street Minor Subdivision- JPR
John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations, brought up Angela Smith with JPR. Angela presented on the
consolidation of five parcels on the west campus of Rum Village Park into a single parcel, with the board
approving the plat and discussing survey findings and next steps. She continued with sharing the
preliminary survey results the process of consolidating five parcels into one for the mountain bike trail
area, including prior survey work and rezoning applications, with the Are Plan Commission’s final
approval pending due to a quorum issues.
Angela presented the physical plat for board signature, clarifying the board’s approval is required before
the Plan Commission can finalize the consolidation.
Motion to approve Rum Village Park- Gertrude Street Minor Subdivision, by Sam Centellas, supported
by Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 3-0.
VIII. Report by Chief of Venues and Promotion Dezha Moore
Dezha Morre provided updates on the Raclin Murphy Encore Center, including the new amenities, event
activation, rental rates, upcoming events, and the launch of a new VPA marketing and strategy team.
Dezha described the new features such as a sensory room for patrons with sound sensitivities, a lounge
with premium bar service, a box service with mobile ordering, a programmable light feature in the new
events space, and a dedicated Equity and Arts program event space. Continuing, she mentioned the Center
and Theater will both be activated during show nights and private rentals. Using aggressive marking and
booking efforts are underway, and rental rates set competitively compared to other venues. Upcoming
events include musical performances, speaking series, open mic nights, and art exhibits, with a focus on
community access and youth engagement through Equity and Arts programming. The new marketing
team has been established, with three managers assigned to different divisions, and a strategy focused on
organic storytelling, internal process improvements, and targeted campaign marketing.
The Commissioners raised questions about parking challenges for events at the Morris and Raclin
Murphy Encore Center and discussed coordination between the Venues boards.
Both Dezha and Michael Schmidt addressed efforts to improve patron experience and clarified
responsibilities of the boards and City of South Bend.
IX. Report by Interim Executive Director Allie Dolz-Lane
Allie Dolz-Lane, acting Interim Executive Director, recognized outgoing Executive Director, Jordan
Gathers, and gave a brief overview of his accomplishments during his tenure including multiple park
renovations, new facilities, and success grant funding.
• Highlighting the department milestones such as Fusion Fest, completion of LaSalle Park
renovations, opening the MLK Dream Center, Seitz Park, and debut of the Raclin Murphy Encore
Center.
• Awards and Grants- VPA has received two Indiana Parks and Recreation Association Excellence
Awards and securing significant funding for Kennedy Park and other tail improvements.
Allie concluded her updates with reporting the upcoming projects like Kennedy Park
improvements, Marion Bridge construction, Riverwalk upgrades, and the West Side Greenway,
with several projects coming in under budget.
This concluded the updates by Interim Executive Director, Allie Dolz-Lane.
XI. Adjournment
The next scheduled meeting will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event
Center.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis