HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 17, 2026 Park Board MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
August 17, 2026 The Board of Park Commissioners of the City of South Bend, Indiana met on Monday August 17, 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 Ms. Jennifer Perri
Mr. Sam Centellas
VPA staff members present: Erin Thornton, Executive Director; Anastasia Smith-Davis, Executive Assistant; John Martinez, Chief of Park Operations; Dezha Moore, Chief of Venues and Promotion (virtual); Amy Roush, Director of Experience and Events; Cody Risedorph, Director of Golf Operations;
Macey Hanna, Director of Recreation (virtual); Cynthia Taylor, Director of Community Programming (virtual); Olivia Sanchez, Special Events Manager; Kelli Notteboom, Aquatics Manager (virtual); Khawla Amouri, Director of Department Finance (virtual); Evelyn Mitchell , Superintendent III; and Mercedes Aguirre, Project Manager. Other city representatives present: Michael Schmidt, Assistant City Attorney; Sharon McBride, 3rd District Councilwoman (virtual); Dr. Heidi Beidinger, 4th District Councilwoman; Patrick Sherman, Director of Project Management. I. Call to Order President, Mark Neal called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.
President, Mark Neal called the regular scheduled meeting to order and noted all four board
Commissioners were present.
II. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on July 17, 2026, meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes of July 17, 2026, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella
Hopkins motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
III. Consent Agenda
President, Mark Neal asked the board if there were any questions concerning the Consent Agenda before
the motion. No questions were asked.
Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas,
motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
IV. Interviewing of Interested Residents
Mark Neals invites anyone in the audience to the podium to speak on any items that are not listed on the
agenda.
No community members spoke during this time.
President Mark Neals welcomed Council Member, Sharon McBride for joining the meeting virtually.
V. Outstanding Partner of the Month – Amy Roush
1. Koontz Wagner
Amy Roush of 301 S. Saint Louis Blvd- Director of Experience and Events, highlighted VPA’s partner of
the month, Koontz Wagner. While plans for this year’s Fusion Fest are coming close to the finish line, the
festival coordinators recognize without their steady hands, their perseverance and understanding, the city
would not be able to hold this annual event for over 30,000 plus attendees. Amy notes that connecting
with Koontz Wagner the second year of the festival has made a huge difference and positive impact
throughout the entire planning process. Continuing, Amy shared Koontz Wagner stepped in to assist in
the recent DTSB Art Beat festival- hoping the relationship with the partners at DTSB continues to expand
and grow.
Ray Harness, Director of Field Services introduces himself, Star Field Technicians, Cory Malone and
Tanner Harman. Brad talked about the company’s process to prepare for the Fusion Fest and the countless
hours they spend with the COSB VPA team on planning, noting the extensive work that goes into such a
large event.
Mark Neal thanks Koontz Wagner for their long-time valued partnership. He reminisced when the
Jefferson bridge work needed lights and how Koontz Wagner stepped in to assist.
Koontz Wagner was presented with the Outstanding Partner Certificate and took a photo with the
Commissioners.
Mark Neal recognizes Council Member, Heidi Beidinger and thanked her for joining the meeting.
VI. Use of Parks- New Events
1. Signing of Marriage License
2. Northside Reunion
3. The Centaur Run
Amy Roush of 301 S Saint Blvd gave a brief overview of the three new events. She begins with the first
event, signing of the marriage license. This event will take place in Leeper Park Rose Garden, and the
expected duration of event is under 20 minutes. The VPA team decided to graciously waive the park use
fee but asked the couple to complete the necessary forms.
Amy continues to give updates regarding the Northside reunion, noting it is not a new event but has a new
organizer for this year’s festivities. The event organizer is a young community activist who has worked
very closely with Demetrius Kennedy of VPA to ensure all the proper procedures and documentation are
followed correctly.
In closing, Amy noted she did not know too much about the last event, The Centaur Run besides knowing
Demetrius has worked closely with the organizers to ensure they have all the proper documentation and
insurance.
Motion to approve the Use of Parks New Events, by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins,
motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
VII. Old Business
1. Approval of Amended Minutes of March 16, 2026 Park Board Meeting
Assistant Attorney, Micheal Schmidt recommended the Commissioners make a motion to rescind the
approval of the minutes of March 16, 2026, then approve the amended minutes on the agenda.
Motion to rescind the March 16, 2026 minutes by Consuella Hopkins, supported by Sam Centellas,
motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
Motion to approve the amended meeting minutes from March 16, 2026 by Sam Centellas, supported by
Consuella Hopkins, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
VIII. New Business
City Attorney, Michael Schmidt started the discussion on conflict-of-interest disclosures for VPA
contracts including an Invictus security contracts and several entertainment related agreements with
Invictus/ Morris Performing Arts Center and other VPA members. Michael explained the Invictus
contract provides event security and other security services during evening park hours , while also
detailing the company’s operations and staff composition.
The board moves item A- Invictus and Morris Performing Arts Center from the remaining New Business
items for a separate motion.
Motion to approve the Invictus contract by Sam Centellas, supported by Consuella Hopkins, motion
carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
The Commissioners question state statues regarding municipal contracts with employees and the legal
processes for review, and the requirement for filing disclosures with the state and county for transparency.
Michael touches on several contracts with Park employees and their household members for
entertainment services presented. Michael clarified the Indiana statute covers ownership and household
members. Going over each individual conflict-of-interest case, some missing contracts, the overall goal to
avoid any legal issues for employees engaging in secondary employment.
Motion to acknowledge exposure of disclosure of VPA contracts by Sam Centellas, supported by Jennifer
Perri, motion carried. Roll call vote 4-0.
2. VPA Portfolio Update- Patrick Sherman
COSB Engineering Director of Project, Patrick Sherman gave a detailed report on how Public Works is
managing a $360 million project with VPA as the largest portfolio. He begins his presentation with an
update with Walker Field and O’Brien Park updates. Current updates include new bathroom installations,
ADA connectivity, and pavilion renovations at Walker Field and a new splash pad, playground, and
parking improvements at O’Brien Park. He then touched on Seitz Park and how major upgrades are on the
way, like a new bridge, accessible docks, and improved connectivity trail to Howard Park all with a
complete goal for May 2027. Kennedy Park is also being redeveloped- a complete rebuild with a new
pool, athletic courts, and playground, with a projected completion for July 2027. Continuing, Patrick gave
updates on Four Winds Field where additional office and canopy improvements are nearly complete.
Other major projects on the horizon include the Main Street housing and Morris parking garage along
with Leeper tennis center renovations and Rum Village Nature Center improvements, and Howard Park
Bandshell and Potawatomi Park updates.
IX. Report by Director of Golf Cody Risedorph
Cody Risedorph began his report by sharing this season has seen over 47,500 rounds of golf played across
the three golf courses despite a 10% decrease from last year due to weather. Some of the significant
challenges this year have been weather including a few wet months and hailstorm; however, the
maintenance crews have responded quickly to restore playability. He continued by sharing the courses
have received positive feedback from golfers and course visitors. This season the courses have hosted
over 17 outings, several junior and high school tournaments, and expanded their youth programming
through the First Tee partnership with over 4,000 free rounds for kids.
The Commissioners asked questions concerning irrigation system upgrades, golf cart leasing, and
inquired about indoor golf simulators.
X. Business by Chief Executive Director Erin Thornton
Erin shared the following updates:
• Events -Over 30 returning events and 18 new events added between July and October, including
25 annual walks or runs with both traditional and new programs attracting diverse audiences.
• Community Outreach- Staff have participated in numerous back-to-school and neighborhood
events, engaging with over 1,700 children and families
• Annual Back-to-School Boogie event distributed school uniforms and other resources
• Athletics and Major Events- The USA Softball Men’s Major national Fastpitch Championship
was successfully hosted, with live streaming and positive feedback from participants.
• Maintenance, horticulture, and grounds crews completed nearly 200 work orders in the past
month, supporting both daily operations and special events.
• Budget- The leadership team is developing the 2027 budget, reviewing operational priorities,
benchmarking data, and identifying areas for strategic investment to ensure long-term
sustainability.
This concluded the updates by Executive Director, Erin Thornton.
XI. Adjournment
The next scheduled meeting will be held Monday, September 21, at 5:00 p.m. at Howard Park Event
Center.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Smith-Davis