Michigan City, Indiana Department of Parks and Recreation 2017 Annual Report January 1 through December 31
Page 1 of 46 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary...... Page 2
Administration Report...... Page 3
Beach Management...... Page 3
Capital Projects and Equipment...... Page 9
Concession Operations...... Page 11
Events...... Page 13
Facilities...... Page 14
MCHS Wolves Environmental Restoration Team...... Page 16
Parking Operation...... Page 17
Personnel...... Page 18
Social Media & Marketing...... Page 22
Trails and Greenways...... Page 22
Golf Course Report...... Page 22
Maintenance Department...... Page 25
Recreation Department Report...... Page 30
Senior Center Report...... Page 33
Washington Park Zoo Report...... Page 39
Annual Budget Variance Report...... Page 44 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As you navigate through the Michigan City Park & Recreation Department’s Annual Report, you will have an opportunity to better understand the wide variety of tasks and responsibilities that we manage in order to provide our community with the best possible experience. Whether it be through capital improvement projects or planning for the future, The Michigan City Park Department remains active and involved in our community providing recreational opportunities for all. We could not be as successful as we are without our dedicated Park Board and staff to serve you. The Michigan City Park Department had a total of 28 capital improvement projects and equipment purchases in 2017 totaling $2,155,206. This includes a variety of funding sources, including grant dollars which totaled $326,063 in 2017. Our Department has been very aggressive in pursuing grant funding for specific projects to ease the burden on tax dollars and riverboat funds while continuing to move projects forward and following our Park Master Plan. With the five year Park Master Plan and Washington Park Master Plan completed, we have a road map to follow and guide us through the future planning process for our community and Park Department. Accessibility has been a key topic of discussion and a focal point for our team. We were able to receive funding for a beach decking system to allow better access from the Senior Center parking lot in Washington Park to the beach. We are looking into the feasibility of expanding this system in other locations to provide better and less restrictive access. We were able to receive a matching grant for the design and engineering of two boardwalks in Fedder’s Alley. While this is currently an ongoing project, it is another example of our understanding that access for all is very important to our future planning and development. There are several other capital projects that are described in this report that I hope you have an opportunity to view. One of our most visible projects was the restoration of Bismarck Hill. Bismarck Hill is located across the street from Fedder’s Alley and next door to the Washington Park Zoo. During this project, we were able to remove invasive species and clean up the overall appearance of this beautiful dune habitat. Our goal is to construct designated trails throughout the property to preserve the long term health of the dune while allowing people the opportunity to correctly navigate the area. Bismarck Hill is a hidden gem; a wonderful place to connect with nature right in the city. As Superintendent of the Michigan City Park Department, my goal is to provide the best possible experience for our community when you visit our parks, facilities or attend our events. I am a firm believer that you must surround yourself with a good team of employees who are committed and take pride in their work, as well as the process. I can honestly say that we have that here at the Michigan City Park Department. I have had the pleasure of being a full time employee for this department since November 1, 2004 and serving as your Superintendent since December 21, 2014. It gives me great joy to see the progress our department has made over the past 3 years. None of this would be possible without our entire team! For that, I say
2 | P a g e THANK YOU and I look forward to continuing to serve Mayor Meer, the Michigan City Park Board, our staff, and the citizens of Michigan City, as well as those who visit for many years to come. Jeremy Kienitz, Park Superintendent ADMINISTRATION REPORT BEACH MANAGEMENT Beach Marking System
The saw horse beach markers were replaced in 2017 with a single pole. The north and south sides of each pole have a reflective street sign with the flag’s location.
BEACH LOCATION MAP
3 | P a g e Water Quality Testing and Notification Program
The Park Department was the recipient of a $20,453 Beach Act Grant through The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for monitoring and notification activities that were conducted in LaPorte County adjacent to Lake Michigan Coastal Recreational Waters during the 2017 beach monitoring season. Water testing was performed by the Sanitary District of Michigan City. Program dates were May 20th through September 9th, 2017. Notification of test results were posted daily by Park Staff: . Beach Hotline 219.873.1540 . Park Department website www.michigancityparks.com . IDEM’s Beach Guard website https://extranet.idem.in.gov/beachguard . Beach Notification Signs (14 signs from Washington Park to Beachwalk) . Washington Park Entry Gates at Lot#1 and Lot#2
Testing sites included: . Washington Park – 3 samples 7 days per week . Stop 2 – California Avenue – 3 samples 7 days per week . Stop 7 – Beachwalk – 1 sample 7 days per week
Beach Sanitary Surveys As requested by IDEM, the Sanitary District completed Beach Sanitary Surveys during their water testing which monitored temperature, waves, wind direction, rain fall events, number of birds, number of sun bathers and swimmers, number of boats, amounts of litter, etc.
It is worth noting Washington Park Beach was not closed due to high bacteria in 2016 or 2017 and only twice in 2015.
WASHINGTON PARK
2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017
Total Samples (108 days) 324 339 339
Total Exceedances 36 14 18
Total Actions 19 10 12
1-234 OPEN 89 82% 98 90% 96 89%
234-999 ADVISORY 17 16% 10 10% 12 11%
1,000 CLOSED 2 2% 0 0% 0 0%
4 | P a g e STOP 2 AT CALIFORNIA AVENUE
2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017
Total Samples (108 days) 324 339 339
Total Exceedances 16 18 8
Total Actions 9 9 4
1-234 OPEN 99 92% 99 92% 96 96%
234-999 ADVISORY 9 8% 9 8% 12 4%
1,000 CLOSED 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
STOP 7 AT BEACHWALK
2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017
Total Samples (108 days) 108 113 113
Total Exceedances 5 6 5
Total Actions 5 6 5
1-234 OPEN 103 95% 102 94% 103 95%
234-999 ADVISORY 5 5% 6 6% 5 5%
1,000 CLOSED 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
We will apply for the IDEM grant for the 2018 beach season and request testing seven days per week at all three locations. United States Geological Survey E-Coli Predictive Model
This program was suspended during the 2017 season because of mechanical problems with the buoys used to collect data. We hope to resume this program during the 2018 beach season. We began participating in a USGS predictive model program in 2013. Data is input in the model daily by our staff and the e-coli prediction was recorded. Data includes: Air temperature at time of water sample – Sanitary District Turbidity – Sanitary District Photosynthetically Active Radiation – NOAA Great Lakes Environment Research Lab Northward Water Velocity at Surface (m/s) – NOAA Great Lake Environmental Research Lab We will continue to work with USGS in an effort to create an accurate model in the near future which would allow us to notify the public of expected conditions each day instead of 24 hours after the water quality test results have been completed.
5 | P a g e Outreach
PROGRAM TYPE ORGANIZATION DATE NOTES Community Adopt-a-Beach Event Celebration Station 4/29/2017 Service Experts Warn About Danger of Lake Michigan Media ABC 57 5/15/2017 Media Students Learn Beach Safety in Michigan City Media WSBT 22 5/15/2017 Media Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Barker Middle School 5/15/2017 Outreach Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Barker Middle School 5/16/2017 Outreach Balmy Temps and Frigid Lake Michigan a Lethal Mix Media Chicago Sun Times 5/17/2017 Media Staying Safe in the Great Lakes Media The News Dispatch 5/17/2017 Media Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Barker Middle School 5/17/2017 Outreach Community Adopt-a-Beach Event Pine Elementary School 5/19/2017 Service Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Krueger Middle School 5/22/2017 Outreach Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Krueger Middle School 5/23/2017 Outreach Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Safety Training Training Krueger Middle School 5/24/2017 Outreach Beach, Pier & Water Safety Expo Event MC Park Department 5/27/2017 Outreach Don't Blame Darwin Media The Pantagraph New 5/27/2017 Media Lake Michigan Brings Beauty & Danger Media Chicago Tribune 5/29/2017 Media Red Flag Video Media Wood TV 6/1/2017 Media Warning Against Swimming on Red Flag Days Media Holland Sentinel 6/2/2017 Media Lifeguard Open Water In-Service Training Sessions Media The News Dispatch 6/3/2017 Media Weather Service Warns of High Waves at Chicago Beaches Media ABC 57 6/5/2017 Media Don't Become Another Drowning Statistic Media Lakeshore Public Radio 6/5/2017 Media Whiting Park Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Open Water Surf Department, Indiana Lifeguard In-Service Training Training Dunes State Park 6/5/2017 Training Training Session for Lake Michigan Lifeguards Media ABC 57 6/6/2017 Media 5 Lake Michigan Beaches Could Have Dangerous Conditions Today Media MLIVE 6/6/2017 Media Lake Michigan Beach Hazard Warning, Swim Advisory in Effect Media ABC 57 6/6/2017 Media Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Open Water Surf Michigan City Park Lifeguard In-Service Training Training Department 6/6/2017 Training Trying to Combat Drowning in the Region Media Northwest Indiana Times 6/7/2017 Media Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project First Responder In- Michigan City Emergency Service Training Training Services 6/7/2017 Training Marsh Elementary Community Adopt-a-Beach Event School 6/22/2017 Service Community Adopt-a-Beach Event MCPD Youth Academy 6/23/2017 Service
6 | P a g e Lifeguard Operation
Dates of Operation Friday May 27th (Water Safety Expo) – Monday, September 4th
Demographics of Lifeguard Staff Number of Lifeguards employed by the Park Department: 16 Employees currently attending High School: 9 Employees currently attending College or University: 7
Training Throughout the summer, the Washington Park Lifeguards completed several training sessions at different areas on the beach other than the mock rescue. The purpose of this training was to practice proper procedures for situations on the beach. Examples of scenarios were:
1) Using the rescue lines in wavy conditions 2) Patrons with multiple injuries 3) Missing persons in water 4) Radio procedures
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project The Washington Park Lifeguards also conducted training with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Through this training they worked more with open water rescues. This was new training for us through a grant that was obtained by ArcelorMittal.
This grant also allowed for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project to go into all Michigan City area schools with presentations on beach safety and drowning. We feel as this will be very beneficial moving forward as an educational component for the students of MCAS.
Statistical Data Summary
INCIDENTS NUMBER % Total incidents 72 100% Medical assistance 24 33% Missing persons 34 47% Fatalities 0 0% Rescues 9 13% Other (non-medical) 5 7%
NOAA Rip Current Daily Observations The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department participated, for the second straight year, in NOAA’s Rip Current Observation Study. Each day we observed Lake Michigan and recorded the following information:
7 | P a g e . Date/time . Surf height (ft) . Surf zone (yd) . Wave direction . Water level . Rip currents (yes/no) . Surf appearance
Head Lifeguard’s Kaitlin Thomas, Allison Thomas, and Mohammad Hakim entered the data online daily. The data collected at various locations on Lake Michigan is being used by NOAA to build a predictive model that may one day predict rip current conditions and explain what causes the lake to act in such a violent manner at times.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department is excited about participating in this important research program which raises awareness, and one day, may help prevent drowning on our lakefront.
End of Season Wrap Up The lifeguard staff was led by Head Lifeguards Kaitlin Thomas, Allison Thomas and Mohammad Hakim. The 2017 season was an overall success from the standpoint of visitor safety. We had many incidents, yet no fatalities. That is something we strive for annually to keep those who visit our beach safe. I was very pleased with the work of our staff and their ability to work through this season and stay focused when times were tough. The Washington Park Lifeguards also received new equipment this season to utilize for their operation. Through city capital funding, we purchased a 6 x 6 UTV which drastically increases our efficiency and response times on the beach. The Michigan City Park Department would like to thank Mayor Meer and City Council for funding this purchase.
The expectations placed on the Washington Park Lifeguards are very high. They are hired into an important position where the lives of the public are in their hands on a daily basis. They should be recognized for the job they do in protecting our community and visitors who utilize Washington Park. With their knowledge and assistance, many visitors to Washington Park are able to leave having a positive experience.
Sheridan Beach Restoration Licenses
YEAR ADDRESS RESTORATION BEACH PATH 2017 1642 Lake Shore Drive X 2017 1716 Lake Shore Drive X
8 | P a g e CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
Walker Street Playground Renovation Project
9 | P a g e Zoo Veterinary Clinic Project
PROJECT CITY GRANT DEPT PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT AMOUNT MATCH AWARDS SOURCE Admin MCAS Work Trailer 2,735 1,585In 20171,150 weUF were able to Admin Walker Street Playground Renovation 106,500 6,500 100,000 CDBG leverage $326,063LMCP, DF, in grant Admin Winding Creek Cove Ph II Bank Stabilization 105,400 40,200 65,200 NPS Fedder's Alley Boardwalks Design & Admin Engineering 100,000 50,000dollars 50,000with aLMCP city investment Zoo Tiger Exhibit Rock Work 1,900 0 of1,900 onlyUF $98,285 Zoo WP Zoo Green Team Recycling Project 2,360 0 2,360 UF Zoo Pollination Pathway Exhibit 5,000 0 77%5,000 grantFPC / 23% city Zoo Two New Zoo Generators 15,000 0 15,000 ZK Admin Beach Water Quality Testing & Notification 20,453 0 20,453 IDEM Zoo Animal Care Grant 65,000 0 65,000 ZK 424,348 98,285 326,063
CONCESSION OPERATIONS
10 | P a g e Castaways Concession Stand at the Oasis Splash Park
Peacock Café at Washington Park Zoo
11 | P a g e Sideline Concession Stand at Patriot Park
Treehouse Gift Shop at Washington Park Zoo
EVENTS
12 | P a g e 25-Mar Sticker Saturday / Trash n’ Treasure Sale 1-Apr Washington Park Zoo Opens 22-Apr Zoobilee Fundraiser 29-Apr Hoosier Coho Classic Pro Am 5-7 May Hoosier Coho Classic Pro Am 14-May Mother's Day at Washington Park Zoo 26-May Brew and View at North Pointe Pavilion 26-May Beach, Water & Pier Safety Expo 27-May Food Truck Festival in Washington Park 29-May Military Members Day at the Zoo 3-Jun Jammin' with Save the Dunes 8-Jun Municipal Band Concert Series Begins 10-Jun Brew at the Zoo 16-Jun Movies in the Park 17-Jun Waterfront Beer & Wine Festival 17-Jun Nature's Play Day at the Zoo 18-Jun Father's Day at Washington Park Zoo 30-Jun Kiddie Parade 1-Jul The Big Parade 1-2 Jul Skamania Mania Fishing Tourney 4-Jul Fireworks in Washington Park 9-Jul Runnin' Wild for the Zoo 5K 8-Jul Sunset Safari at the Zoo 14-Jul Movies in the Park 22-23 Jul Soccer in the Sand Tournament 29-30 Jul City Golf Tournament 5-6 Aug City Golf Tournament 3-6 Aug SBI Great Lakes Grand Prix 18-Aug Movies in the Park 26-Aug Zoo B Que 9-Sep Community Appreciation Day at the Zoo 10-Sep Grandparents Day at the Zoo 16-Sep Brewfest at North Pointe Pavilion 17-Sep Piranha Tower Run 5K 23-Sep Family Fishing Day at Hansen Park 30-Sep Creekness Stakes Canoe Race at Hansen Park 1-Oct Mac & Cheese Fest at North Pointe Pavilion 21-Oct Boo at the Zoo 2-Dec Snowflake Parade 2-Dec Holiday Lights in Washington Park
13 | P a g e FACILITIES Rentals
14 | P a g e Oasis Splash Park
15 | P a g e MICHIGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL WOLVES ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION TEAM
The MCHS Wolves Environmental Restoration team's inaugural year of 2016-2017 was a successful partnership between the Michigan City Park Department and Michigan City High School. The team worked closely with Assistant Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason and Michigan City Forester Amanda Glanz. Lead team organizers were Michigan City High School Teacher Stephanie Dege and Environmental Education Coordinator with the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District Nicole Messacar.
There were 30 students and 3 additional MCHS teachers, Andy Jasicki, Victoria Gray, and Ashley Kohler, who participated in the program. The team worked to restore the habitat at Hansen Park to its native state. We removed several types of invasive species, established a native plant buffer at Hansen Pond, monitored water quality, removed litter from the park and pond, and planted 11 Bur Oak trees throughout the park.
Students documented the work through photographs, videos and interviews which were used to create a YouTube channel, Google photo album, and a Facebook page to promote our work in the community.
Program Partners Haas & Associates Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society LaPorte Soil and Water Conservation District Michigan City Forester Michigan City High School Michigan City Park Department Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission The Nature Conservancy Trail Creek Watershed Committee United States Forestry Service Unity Foundation of LaPorte County Wilderness Inquiry
Students experienced several paddling excursions with the adventure guides from Wilderness Inquiry during which they removed litter from the water and banks of Trail Creek. The team
16 | P a g e members spent 5 work days at Hansen Park with a total of 22 hours of work put in by each team member. The team also attended a 6-hour training session at City Hall prior to their first work day at Hansen Park to gain knowledge in identification of native vs invasive species, treatment methods for invasive species, the Trail Creek watershed, water quality, community relations, green engineering practices, and environmental career pathways.
The Michigan City Park Department was awarded a grant from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County in the amount of $1,150.00 to purchase a work trailer for the program. The Park Department matched the grant in the amount of $1,585.00.
ESTIMATED LABOR VALUE 30 students x 22 hours x $7.25 per hour $4,785 5 teachers x 22 hours x $20 per hour $2,200 25 hours of professional service at $40 per hour $1,000 TOTAL VALUE OF SERVICE HOURS $7,985
This was an extremely successful program which benefited everyone involved. We are excited to continue the program into the 2017/2018 school year.
We were notified in January 2018 that we are the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The governor’s award is Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition award. It is reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary program or project that positively impacts Indiana’s environment and demonstrates measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits.
PARKING OPERATION Washington Park Daily Parking Revenue
17 | P a g e DAILY PARKING OPERATION 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Revenue 407,018 411,083 434,067 483,350 515,389 Payroll Expense 61,447 54,962 57,600 53,146 63,904 FICA 4,701 4,205 4,406 4,066 4,889 Printing Expense 1,235 1,250 1,223 1,306 1,804 Misc. Expense 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 536 Net 338,635 349,667 369,838 423,832 444,255 Labor % of revenue 16.25% 14.39% 14.28% 11.84% 13.35% Car Fee $7 $7 $7 $7 $7 Other Fee $14 $14 $14 $14 $14
Annual Washington Park Sticker Distribution
ANNUAL STICKER DISTRIBUTION 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 RESIDENT 13,088 12,751 13,295 13,749 13,995 LAPORTE COUNTY n/a 473 576 552 1,001 NON-RES INDIANA 311 78 55 62 130 NON-RES OUT OF STATE 6 2 2 1 5 SR CTR MEMBER 428 375 392 348 429 REPLACEMENT 5 3 8 3 2 CYCLE/TRAILER RESIDENT 477 420 476 523 471 TOTAL STICKERS 14,315 14,102 14,804 15,238 16,033 TOTAL REVENUE 23,897 23,972 26,201 32,064 40,972 PRINTING EXPENSE (Stickers) 2,172 2,165 3,099 3,116 2,477 PAYROLL EXPENSE 6,952 6,313 6,583 6,420 5,964 NET 14,773 15,493 16,519 22,528 32,531
PERSONNEL The City is adding a full time Recreation and Events Coordinator position in January 2018. The position will be responsible to the Park Department and the City Controller.
18 | P a g e 19 | P a g e Board and Committee Assignments Jeremy Kienitz, Park Superintendent . Karstens Athletic Scholarship Board - Bi-monthly . Hosts annual chili cook off to fund annual scholarships to one female and one male LaPorte County student athlete
. Michigan City Area Schools Youth Sports Committee - Quarterly . Facilitate girls and boys basketball and soccer leagues in partnership with Michigan City Area Schools
. Southern Lake Michigan Water Safety Task Force - Monthly conference calls or meetings . Advisory group to Purdue Calumet - Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Extension Office. Develop and implement common messages, signage, etc. throughout the region related to best management practices, dangerous currents and coastal safety awareness. Shannon Eason, Assistant Superintendent . Coastal Advisory Board (CAB) Member - Bi-monthly . Assists Indiana Department of Natural Resources in settings priorities for the Lake Michigan Coastal Program. Recommends project evaluation criteria, provides input on grant applications and provides a forum for public input for the Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
. Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) Treasurer - 3rd Thursday of each month . Develop and adopt guidelines for accepting public artworks, develop and implement a master plan to identify public art locations, provide art scholarships, plan and fund public art events for the community, and authorize expenditures for artwork under City Public Art Fund.
. Michigan City Storm Water Advisory Group (SWAG) Member - 4th Wednesday of each month . Advisory committee founded by Michigan City Sanitary District to advise on storm water infrastructure, advancement of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) goals, public outreach programs, implementation of the Trail Creek Watershed Management Plan, monitoring of storm water
20 | P a g e quantity and quality, address public concerns, and good housekeeping at governmental facilities.
. Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) Ped, Peddle & Paddle (3PC) Committee Member - 1st Thursday of each month . NIRPC is a Metropolitan Planning Organization responsible, together with state departments of transportation and public transit operators, for carrying out the transportation planning process for urbanized areas in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The Ped, Peddle and Paddle (3PC) Committee serves as an advisory committee to NIRPC for non-motorized transportation funding and projects.
. Trail Creek Watershed Partnership Chair - 2nd Wednesday of each month . Assess water quality issues and develop meaningful implementation strategies targeted to improve the quality of life within the watershed through water quality enhancement and realization of long term goals with regard to the environmental and recreational uses of Lake Michigan and Trail Creek.
Tara Miller, Senior Center Director . NIPSCO Community Advisory Panel Member - Quarterly . Advisory panel made up of community leaders throughout each of the counties served by NIPSCO. Provide insight and feedback with regard to energy needs and concerns within our counties.
. Michigan City in Bloom Committee Member - Monthly March through June . Community beautification program, fashioned after the National Organization “America in Bloom,” designed to improve our green spaces and beautify our city.
Shawne Sheldon, Zoo Retail and Accounting Clerk
. Washington Park Zoological Society Treasurer - 2nd Tuesday of each month . Generate public interest in, and appreciation of, the animal kingdom. Promote the zoo, solicit, raise, collect and receive contributions, donations and gifts for the acquisition of animals and to provide improvements to zoo facilities.
21 | P a g e SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING Facebook is used to advertise our programs and events. Every Thursday is “Throwback Thursday” and features a vintage photo of Michigan City. We also have random “Trivial Tuesdays” which feature a trivia question about Michigan City in the morning with a posted answer that same afternoon. “Where is it Wednesday” features a photo from around Michigan City and asks the user to guess where the item can be found. These features are a fun way to engage our audience and drive traffic and “likes” to our page. The City is launching a new city-wide website in January 2018. Senior Center Director Tara Miller serves as the department’s Marketing Coordinator. In 2017, we ran ads in the 2017 LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Guide, The Art & Earth Trail Guide, and ran various press releases for programs and events throughout the year. We are able to send out blast emails to any person currently or previously enrolled in our programs and we use this method to advertise upcoming programs and registration information. TRAILS AND GREENWAYS . Singing Sands Phase I (Calumet Trail to City Hall) - Scheduled INDOT Letting March 2018
. Singing Sands Phase II (City Hall to Liberty Trail) - Scheduled INDOT letting January 2019
. Singing Sands Phase III (Liberty Trail to US Highway 12 at Meer Road) - Scheduled INDOT letting January 2020
GOLF COURSE REPORT
Attendance 2016 2017 Variance South Course 19,848 20,362 514 North Course 7,770 8,552 782 Total 27,618 28,914 1,296
22 | P a g e Golf Now – Reservations 2016 2017 Variance Paid Rounds 867 1,095 228 Trade Times 1,234 1,181 (53) Total Rounds 2,101 2,276 175 Total Revenue $24,584 $29,220 $4,636
Greens Fees 2016 2017 Variance South Course $160,884 $159,620 ($1,264) North Course $59,991 $70,191 $10,200 Total $220,875 $229,811 $8,936
Leagues 2016 2017 Variance South Course $24,206 $28,366 $4,160 North Course $5,160 $4,820 ($340) Total $29,366 $33,186 $3,820
Outings 2016 2017 Variance South Course $46,605 $54,592 $7,987 North Course $6,464 $3,093 ($3,371) Total $53,069 $57,685 $4,616
Concessions 2016 2017 Variance Food & Drink $34,265 $37,400 $3,135 Alcohol $34,441 $39,439 $4,998 Total $68,706 $76,839 $8,133
Daily Golf Cart Rental 2016 2017 Variance South Course $126,077 $129,741 $3,664 North Course $47,682 $51,599 $3,917 Total $173,759 $181,340 $7,581
Golf Cart Packages 2016 2017 Variance 10 Ride $10,050 $9,000 ($1,050) Unlimited $15,000 $13,200 ($1,800) Couple $2,400 $3,200 $800
23 | P a g e Total $27,450 $25,400 ($2,050)
Total Golf Cart Revenue 2016 2017 Variance Total $201,209 $206,740 $5,531
Annual Season Passes 2016 2017 Variance SC & NC Pass 180 174 (6) Revenue $64,626 $65,984 $1,358 NC Only Pass 6 11 5 Revenue $842 $1,763 $921 Total Passes 186 185 (1) Total Revenue $65,468 $67,747 $2,279
Course Maintenance
The golf courses remained in very good condition throughout the year. We received many compliments from players that played other area courses. Numerous customers stated the playing conditions were the best they had ever seen.
Equipment
We completed an extensive preventive maintenance program to all turf equipment and the entire golf car rental fleet. As our turf maintenance equipment continues to age, preventive maintenance has never been more important.
We received 22 new Club Car golf carts on 6/1/17. This was the third phase of our golf cart rotation program. The fourth and final replacement phase is scheduled for early 2018. A new four-year rotation plan will begin in 2021.
Special Project
What started out as minor interior renovations in the basement area of the south course clubhouse turned into a much bigger project. The project consisted of new drywall, wood car-siding, doors, drop ceilings, light fixtures, flush valves, ceramic tile, stair treads, trim and paint. This improvement was long overdue.
The exterior block walls of the South Course were repainted in early spring.
Green Leaves Tree Service was contracted to remove a total of 27 trees from the north and south courses. I was very pleased with their quality of work and professionalism.
24 | P a g e Pro Pump & Controls completed the installation of the new irrigation pumps and control panel for the South Course.
We contracted Pro Drive Asphalt to re-stripe the south course parking lot. They completed this task very quickly and professionally.
Gritten Turf Services was contracted to complete deep-tine aeration to the south course putting greens. Their specialized equipment is perfect for ensuring the health of our fine turf grass.
Irrigation
The following are gallons of irrigation water, pumped from our ponds, to keep the turf healthy.
2016 2017 Variance South Course 13,951,000 14,887,000 936,000 North Course 6,668,000 8,075,000 1,407,000 Total 20,619,000 22,962,000 2,343,000
Weather
The favorable weather we experienced during the first quarter, led to an early and busy start to the year. The course opened for the season on 2/17/17. The 70 degree temperatures brought hundreds of players out to enjoy the unseasonable weather and a good golf facility.
Throughout the remainder of the year, we had moderate temperatures and limited rainfall during the daytime hours. Overall, we had a good year for growing fine turf so our customers could enjoy the game they love.
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Projects Outside of Day to Day Operations
- Fabricated new “elbow box” for leaf blower - Fabricated new covers for maintenance shop garage floor drains - Repaired picnic tables - Built a new flatbed trailer - Fabricated a snow fence trailer - Removed beach marking flag system posts. Constructed, painted and installed new flag posts at beach access points. - Assisted the zoo staff with clearing out the old lean-to car port
25 | P a g e - Filled playground areas with sand throughout the parks - Leveled sand hills around the side door and parking lot island at the Senior Center and replanted new dune grass - Installed the new beach access path near the Senior Center - Cleaned up the emergency access path at stop 11. Removed dead trees and limbs, cut back weeds and brush, graded the ground and laid mulch. - Removed and replaced hand rails on the new kayak launch pad at Hansen Park - Restriped the parking lot at Hansen Park - Regraded the back yard at the Park Maintenance shop with asphalt road grindings - Assisted Sanitation District with leveling the city dump on Hitchcock Street - Assisted the zoo with installation of drywall in the new veterinary clinic - Helped the zoo clean up and move items out of the old maintenance garage - Towed two old maintenance vehicles and one old zoo vehicle to the Street Department for auction - North Pointe Pavilion Electric Panel Project: Removed wooden fence, removed concrete pads around panels, cut out section of asphalt, graded the ground, and constructed a back-stop wall and filled it with sand. - Fabricated, painted and installed a metal arm gate at the entrance of Fedder’s Alley - Removed the small shelter west of North Pointe Pavilion - Removed and replaced roll down windows in the concession stand at North Pointe Pavilion - Removed and disposed of Walker Street Park playground equipment for renovation project - Removed broken playground equipment in Fedder’s Alley - Constructed stairs behind Memorial Hall, graded the ground and installed a rock erosion stop wall around the new stairs - Hauled and graded approximately 500 yards of sand to fill Patriot Park’s playground area - Assisted the zoo with gator and golf cart repairs - Trained Sanitary District employees to operate a bulldozer - Cut out and framed the new ticket windows at North Pointe Pavilion - In the month of December 400 labor hours were attributed to plowing, shoveling, salting, and snow removal - Repaired breakers for holiday lights, these need to be replaced in 2018
26 | P a g e WORK PROCESS (quantity) 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR% BANQUET TABLES Delivered/Picked Up 39 15 (24) -62% BARRICADES Setup/Remove 295 330 35 12% BOLLARD Replacement/Installation 10 0 (10) -100% GARBAGE CANS Delivered/Picked Up 350 477 127 36% GARBAGE Collect and Dispose of (yards) 960 1,050 90 9% ICE RINK Labor Hours 160 112 (48) -30% MOVIE SCREEN Setup/Remove 2 5 3 150% PICNIC TABLES Delivered/Picked Up 1,569 1,794 225 14% RISERS Delivered/Picked Up 6 4 (2) -33% SNOW FENCE Installation/Removal (linear feet) 26,120 14,548 (11,572) -44% TENT Installation (10' x 20') 0 0 0 0% MOWING (per hour) 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR% Adams Park 141 76 (65) -46% Barker Mansion (began 06/30/15) 47 62 15 32% Canada Park 24 30 6 25% Carroll Avenue 66 45 (21) -32% City Hall (began in 2012) 95 111 16 17% Emily Street (at Hansen Park) 0 0 0 0% Gardena Park 276 203 (73) -26% Hansen Park 104 96 (8) -8% Henry Lake 0 0 0 0% Jernegan's Hill 29 32 3 10% Joe Hawkins Memorial Park 34 38 4 12% Krueger Memorial Park 125 115 (10) -8% Millennium Plaza and Old Lighthouse Museum 75 51 (24) -32% Oak Hills Park 43 50 7 16% Police Department (began in 2012) 83 0 (83) -100% Pullman Park 192 160 (32) -17% Ridgeland Park 29 27 (2) -7% Ruby Woods 22 20 (2) -9% Tall Timbers 40 42 2 5% Walker Street Park 54 49 (5) -9% Washington Park 962 903 (59) -6% Water Tower Park 110 92 (18) -16% Westcott Park (began in 2012) 110 102 (8) -7% Winding Creek Cove 74 61 (13) -18% TOTAL 2,735 2,365 (370) -14%
27 | P a g e HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR% Repairs - Labor Hours 840 1,030 190 23% Installation - Labor Hours 1,600 1,550 (50) -3% Electric Installation - Labor Hours 300 350 50 17% Breakdown - Labor Hours 360 355 (5) -1% TOTAL 3,100 3,285 185 6% TRAILS UPKEEP (clearing, snow removal, inspection) - Labor Hours 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR%
Gardena Park 52 69 17 33% Hansen Park 2 32 30 1500% Karwick Nature Park 39 36 (3) -8% Memorial Hall 57 68 11 19% Ruby Woods 0 12 12 0% Patriot Park 0 0 0 0% Winding Creek Cove 27 30 3 11% TOTAL 177 247 70 40% LABOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR% North Central Community Action Agency 0 0 0 0% Lakeside Correctional Facility 269 468 199 74% LEAVES 2016 2017 VAR$ VAR% Adams Park 0 0 0 0% Canada Park 16 28 12 75% City Hall (began in 2012) 50 39 (11) -22% Emily Street 0 0 0 0% Gardena Park 286 324 38 13% Hanson Park 0 20 20 100% Henry Lake 0 0 0 0% Jernegan’s Hill 0 0 0 0% Joe Hawkins Memorial Park 18 30 12 67% Krueger Memorial Park 89 90 1 1% Millennium Plaza and Old Lighthouse Museum 0 0 0 0% Oak Hills Park 86 85 (1) -1% Patriot Park 0 0 0 0% Ridgeland Park 0 0 0 0% Ruby Woods 0 0 0 0% Tall Timbers 24 56 32 133% Walker Street Park 10 10 0 0% Washington Park 65 156 91 140% Water Tower Park 80 58 (22) -28% Westcott Park (began in 2012) 26 80 54 208% TOTAL 750 976 226 30%
28 | P a g e RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Sports Programs
- Adult leagues – softball, indoor volleyball - Youth leagues – BPA Travel Baseball League (11U – 14U), and Michigan City Youth Baseball & Softball League - Sponsored Leagues - Michigan City Soccer Club, Piranha Swim Club and EVP Beach Volleyball League & Tournaments - Programs – Ballroom Dance, Yoga on the Beach, The U Program, Brick’s Track Club, Oil Painting, and Passport to Summer Fun - Park Department provides facilities and part time sports supervisors for league management - Recreation staff provides teams with code of ethics, schedules and rules as well as holding them accountable for any and all actions
2017 Patriot Park Tournament Schedule
- April 15 – USSSA/GSL Adult Softball Tournament - April 21-23 – BPA Youth Baseball Tournament - May 5-7 – BPA Youth Baseball Tournament - May 12-14 – USSSA Youth Baseball Tournament - May 27-29 – NSA Youth Softball Tournament - June 2-4 – BPA Youth Baseball Tournament - June 9-11 – NSA Youth Softball Tournament - June 15-18 – BPA Youth Baseball Tournament - June 30-July 2 – USSSA Youth Baseball Tournament - July 7-9 – NSA Youth Softball Tournament - July 14-16 – NSA Youth Softball Tournament
Volunteers
- All youth baseball coaching positions were filled by volunteers - Coaches were required to fill out criminal background check forms and provide an application with references. All coaches were required to maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism both on and off the field. Our coach’s primary responsibility is to develop good citizens, good baseball players and to instill a passion for the game. Their performance is not measured by wins or losses, rather by what he/she teaches the players in terms of technique, sportsmanship and fair play.
29 | P a g e Summer Kids Program
- City Kids Day Camp had 78 participants throughout the summer. The camp was directed by Emma Walter who provided an exciting schedule of activities including exercise, sports, games, arts and crafts, and music in her first year in the position. The camp was held at Lake Hills Elementary School as the Park Department does not have a facility to house the program. Opportunities included a reading program through the Michigan City Public Library and a swim program at the YMCA. The day camp staff provided an environment where kids concentrated on building friendships, learning and teamwork. The camp is staffed by 1 Director, 2 Supervisors and 6 Camp Leaders
Marketing
- Press releases were sent out on an as needed basis to all local and regional media contacts promoting program registrations and beach safety - Website marketing included program descriptions and registration forms - Email – through our online registration software, we are able to send out mass emails to any person currently or previously enrolled in any of our programs - Program fliers were distributed to students and available at the local schools
SPORTS PROGRAM 2016 2017 VARIANCE
Youth Baseball League Participants 204 335 131
Youth Travel Baseball Participants 31 25 (6)
Youth Softball Participants N/A 14 14
BPA Travel League Teams 11 15 4
Men’s 12” Softball Teams 10 12 2
Coed Softball Teams 14 10 (4)
Fall Softball Men’s Teams 13 12 (1)
Fall Softball Coed Teams 14 16 2
Women’s Volleyball Teams 15 10 (5)
Ball Room Dance Class 123 4 (119)
Bricks Track Club N/A 10 10
The U Program N/A 3 3
30 | P a g e Kiteboarding Lessons N/A 10 10
NON-SPORTS PROGRAM 2016 2017 VARIANCE
City Kids Day Camp Participants 68 78 10
Yoga on the Beach N/A 36 36
Paint on the Patio N/A 28 28
2018 Goals
- Fill the new Recreation and Events Coordinator Position to expand current programs and offerings to our community
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Membership
Annual 2016 2017 VARIANCE
Members (this number fluctuates as members join or terminate membership) 1,816 1,898 82
Men 33% 33% 0
Women 63% 63% 0
Other (Business Membership) 4% 4% 0
New Members 274 347 73
Volunteer Hours
Senior Center Volunteer Hours 9,267 9,142 (125)
Attendance
Events 21,143 23,065 1,922
Day Trips 517 682 165
Community Service
31 | P a g e We are fortunate to have the opportunity to donate time and funding to many local organizations. In 2017, we donated over $4,000 to local organizations. Many of our members volunteer at local non-profit organizations on their own time as well. This is one way we give back to the community that helps support us. Some of the organizations/events we sponsor or support are: - Barker Mansion - Salvation Army - Jaycee’s Deserving Children’s Fund - Old Lighthouse Museum - Washington Park Zoo - International Friendship Gardens - Meals on Wheels - Northwest Indiana Food Bank, Good Shepherd Food Pantry, State Street Community Church Food Pantry, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry, Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry, Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry, and First United Methodist Church Food Pantry - Michiana Humane Society - Michigan City Police Department - Michigan City Fire Department - Social & Learning Institute - Michigan City Exchange Club - Toys for Tots - Reins of Life
Travel Opportunities
This year members had the opportunity to enjoy nine different day trips, a Chicago Cubs game, and a 5-night extended trip to Nashville, TN through First Travel. These trips are offered at a discount to Senior Center Members and give seniors a chance to travel safely when they might not otherwise be able to do so because of transportation difficulties. As a result of our efforts, 682 members enjoyed our day trips in 2017. In an ongoing partnership with the Michigan City Area Schools, our seniors were invited to a special screening of the Michigan City High School spring play “The Odd Couple.” About 25 seniors took advantage of this special offer that included dinner for only $5 per person. In the fall, MCHS presented the musical, “13.” Twenty of our senior members attended this musical.
Arm Chair Travels: One of our members gave several presentations in June, July and August of a travelogue to Germany, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Portugal. This free event gave many seniors a chance to see these countries from the eyes of a traveler without ever leaving the comfort of the Senior Center.
Health & Fitness
32 | P a g e Exercise classes provide just the right amount of physical activity for our members including Tai Chi, line dance lessons and general light aerobic activity. This year we continued with our yoga and meditation class which is featured three times a week, as well as our line dancing class each Thursday. A second line dancing class was added to give beginners a chance to get involved so they can eventually join the intermediate class. It is also held on Thursdays in an earlier time slot. There is some form of physical activity class being held every day of the week to accommodate active senior schedules. We also provide free blood pressure checks and free hearing evaluations each month. For a small fee, members were also able to get foot care at our Fancy Foot Clinic. This is a valuable service since many seniors are unable to take care of their feet. Lifeline Screening: In April and October Lifeline Screening held their clinic to help prevent Strokes. They offered Stroke/Carotid Artery Screenings, Heart Rhythm Screenings, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screenings, Peripheral Arterial Disease Screenings, and Osteoporosis Screenings. Smoke-Free LaPorte County: Healthy Communities of LaPorte County gave a presentation in April to a small group on their commitment to create a smoke-free LaPorte County Bio-Dex Balance Screening: In May and June, Life Care Center of Michigan City provided BioDex Balance Screenings to help seniors assess their ability to maintain balance. This free screening helped many seniors identify areas that need improvement in dealing with balance issues. Hands Off CPR Class: In May, the Michigan City Fire Department gave a basic first aid and “hands off” CPR class to teach seniors what to do if they ever need to use CPR, even if they are unable to physically perform CPR themselves. It empowers people to be able to instruct someone else who might be physically capable, but lacks CPR training. Clear Captions Program: In June, Steve Groves gave a presentation on the Clear Captions telephone system. This telephone (which must be purchased) has a display which reads your conversation out loud so those who struggle with hearing loss can still understand and follow what the caller is communicating. The captions service is free. Chair Yoga: In June, we had a certified Yoga instructor give a one-time Chair Yoga class to teach participants how to incorporate yoga into their lives even if they are unable to get up and down from the floor. Preventing Falls: In August, a presentation was held to give tips on how to minimize the risk of falling, which is a very serious concern for seniors. Memory Screenings: On November 1st, in conjunction with the National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Visiting Angels presented a free memory screening. This healthy brain check-up is to provide the first step in determining if further assessment is warranted.
Social Events
Popcorn & a Movie: Each month a new movie is featured and members enjoy this free event along with free popcorn Coffee with the Mayor: Provides a forum for seniors to address their concerns with city officials on a monthly basis
33 | P a g e Red Hat Society: Gathers up ladies, 55 and over, to get together “just for fun” while giving them a chance to forge friendships Card Party: This annual event provides a meal and an evening of friendly card playing as well as a chance to win some great prizes Trash ‘N Treasure Sale: This annual event gives members an opportunity to rent a table at the center and bring in their gently used items to sell to the general public. It’s an easy way to have a garage sale for our seniors without them having to do all the work. We do all the advertising and set up for them. We again combined this event with the Park Department’s “Sticker Saturday.” Spaghetti Dinner: This dinner was again successful with 179 people in attendance Thanksgiving Dinner: We served 250 people this year who might not otherwise have had the chance to enjoy a home cooked holiday meal Salute to Park Department: Each year we say thanks to our park employees by serving a delicious lunch with all the fixin’s Soup Day: One day each month from October through March we offer a different soup to help seniors enjoy a nutritional lunch at a reasonable price. Half of the soup day proceeds are donated to a local food bank. Trivia Challenge: This now bi-annual event allows members to test their knowledge, against their peers and others, in an effort to win the coveted 1st prize trivia title Weekly Social Events include: ceramics, card playing, billiards, sing-a-long, Bingo and Bunco Harvest Ball: This event is the revival of a long-time tradition originally put on by Horizon Bank years ago. This was the 5th annual Ball and we had around 250 people in attendance. Emcee and music was provided by Ric Federighi of WIMS. Our efforts raised $6,000. We continue to donate half of our proceeds to two organizations that are related to geriatrics. This year we gave $1,500 each to Meals on Wheels and RSVP. Mini-Tree Jubilee: This was our second year hosting this event which invites local senior-related organizations in a friendly contest to decorate mini pre-lit trees. The trees were on display from Monday, November 27th through Friday, December 1st and allowed senior center members to vote for their favorite. This year we had four entries, Trail Creek Place, Dunes Hospice, Symphony of Chesterton, and the Michigan City Senior Center. Michigan City Senior Center was the 1st place winner, Trail Creek Place was the 2nd place winner, and Dunes Hospice was the 3rd place winner. Each winner received a mini trophy and the 1st place winner also received the traveling trophy. All proceeds benefit the Michigan City Senior Center. Easter Egg Stuffing: For the 4th year, Senior Center members volunteered their time to help stuff Easter eggs for the Michigan City Police Department’s annual Easter Egg Hunt in Washington Park Classic Foreign Films: From January through March, films were presented each month in a foreign language. In January, a French and a Spanish film were shown. In February, an Italian and a French film were shown. In March a French, an Italian and a Spanish film were shown.
34 | P a g e Cribbage: This fun game was added this year as a new event Music Around the World: Our resident musician, Steve Kowalczyk, entertained our members with tunes from around the world on his accordion in March and July Beach Seniors Concert: Our very own musical group, the Good Tyme Geezers, performed a concert in September to a group of over 50 seniors. Everyone enjoyed it and asked that we do it again. The next concert is planned for spring. Potluck: For the first time in many years, a random potluck was held in October to serve as a social gathering for those interested Guys & Dolls Show: The Metamorphis Traveling Theatre came to the Senior Center to put on a mini-show of “Guys & Dolls”. This event was offered to the members free of charge.
Arts & Crafts
Garden Group Meetings: A couple of Senior Center members who are master gardeners got together and formed this group to teach about the intricacies of gardening. They meet twice a month. Oil & Water Painting Group: These members are skilled painters who get together to work on their latest masterpieces, share tips and socialize Knitting and Crocheting Group: This group gets together weekly to donate their time and materials to make welcoming blankets and outfits for needy newborns, prayer shawls for those grieving and throw blankets for the elderly confined to nursing homes Ceramics Class: Offered every Tuesday for the cost of supplies only Woodworking Class: Several members of this group have won awards for their artistic carvings Cards of Support: This program was set up by the Park Department’s Program Committee. We asked the community to make homemade cards for our troops for Memorial Day. The Guardian Riders put the cards into care packages that were sent to our troops overseas.
Educational
The center offers intellectual opportunities hosting speakers that inform and educate members on topics ranging from fire prevention to local history, and medical concerns to financial advice. This year we offered the following seminars: Spanish, French and German Classes: For the eighth year in a row we offered a program of beginning and intermediate Spanish classes taught by native and non-native speakers who also held lessons on the cultural identities of the Spanish speaking countries in South America. Each session is 13 weeks long. In addition, we offered German and French classes for the eighth year in 2017. South Shore Seniors: This investment group continues to meet once a month to analyze the stock market and decide on investment strategies for the participating members Facebook & Open Lap Top Skills Classes: Facebook class continues this year with a class size that continues to grow. Our Open Skills BYOD (bring your own device) class teaches
35 | P a g e our seniors how to get the maximum potential out of their own personal laptops, tablets, smart phones, or other devices. The Michigan City Senior Center continues to maintain a Facebook page via our volunteer teacher Debbie Henckel. Opera 101: This specialized class, held once per month, began in 2014 and has had a sporadic attendance of between 2 and 8 people. The instructor spent his entire life behind the scenes of operas and taught set design at the university level. Chess Club Tourney: We held our first annual Chess Tournament in August to encourage more people to keep their mind sharp by playing chess Golf Lessons: In March, one of our members, a 10-time Senior Champion of LaPorte County and 3-time Florida Senior Champion, gave free golf lessons The Brain Game Presentation: Purdue North Central Nursing Students visited the center on March 22nd to provide valuable information to seniors on how to keep the brain active as you age Aeroponic Tower Gardening: This free presentation gave information on how to grow your own indoor garden using a vertical aeroponic gardening system. It was presented by Dr. Margie Williams. Zip & Zap: Our very own member, Janet Beutner, gave a presentation in December on the children’s book that she had published called “Zip & Zap.” Members had the opportunity to hear the “story behind the story” as to how the book came about. The author was also available to sell & sign books for those interested. Learn Bridge in a Day: This class was held in June to teach those who were interested in learning bridge how to do so in one day Duplicate Bridge Lessons: This 5-week class was offered during the summer to teach intermediate players the intricate details of the game
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are abundant at the Senior Center. Our volunteers work at the front desk, serve as chairpersons for our big events held throughout the year, work events, teach classes, offer seminars in their area of expertise, and volunteer on the Senior Center Advisory Board to name a few. Senior Center members are also actively involved in the community helping many local organizations that couldn’t otherwise perform as efficiently. Several members deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program, while others donated their time to A Hand Up, Inc., the Old Lighthouse Museum, the Washington Park Zoo, International Friendship Gardens, Barker Mansion, and RSVP just to name a few. Our members volunteered a total of 9,142 hours at the Senior Center, a slight decrease from 2016.
Challenges
36 | P a g e To encourage existing members to take advantage of the events that we offer to give them the most enjoyment out of their membership
2018 Goals
- Continue to add exciting programs that will encourage seniors to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle - Continue renting the facility to provide additional funding using the non-reverting fund for continued maintenance of the facility - Continue to provide marketing support to the Park Department - Continue to make some needed improvements to the facility such as floor maintenance, painting and carpet repair or replacement - Continue to work on fostering partnerships with other local organizations - Continue to research renovations to the Senior Center
Marketing Duties
- Ran ads for the Trash n’ Treasure Sale and Sticker Saturday in the LaPorte Herald Argus and The News-Dispatch - Renewed contract with LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau for an ad in their 2018 Visitors Guide - Worked with Michigan City in Bloom to update their applications, letterhead and website. Issued press releases for the Michigan City in Bloom program. - Worked with the Park Department to provide volunteers to help test lightbulbs for the Festival of Holiday Lights
WASHINGTON PARK ZOO REPORT
At the end of 2016 we asked ourselves if the zoo could continue its record-setting pace in 2017. The answer was a resounding “Yes!” 2017 proved to be another landmark in the zoo’s 89-year history with the season’s attendance reaching 100,122 guests. The spike in attendance resulted in increased revenue in our concession operation, safari train ride, seed stick sales, and in our gift shop.
It is a never-ending joy to watch our little zoo develop into the community treasure that we all can be proud of. Our success is attributed to the generous support we receive from our guests, donors, the city, and volunteers. The connection between wildlife and the community is the first step toward cultivating the understanding and protection of wild animals in some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered areas.
The Washington Park Zoo has a very dedicated “zoo crew” who have a vision of how great this facility can be. They put their hearts into everything thing they do, from caring for the animals and repairing aging facilities to educating guests or weeding flowerbeds. We take great pride in our continued accomplishments and appreciate the pride our community has in their zoo. We strive every day to provide quality veterinary care, nutritious food, enriching habitats, and
37 | P a g e behavior training in order to provide the best lives possible for our animal residents. Thank you to our wonderful zoo veterinary staff who help us keep all of the zoo residents well. A special thank you to Dr. Rex Bailey, Dr. Larry Smith, Dr. Larry Reed, Dr. Kathryn Staniford, and Dr. Lauren Fairchild.
Our Education Department continues to provide excellent formal and informal educational opportunities to eager learners of all ages. The zoo relies on the support of volunteers, Zoo Society members and interns to expand the reach of our education department. We also have many community groups who volunteer their time to help out with on-site projects. These supporters assist with our many programs, projects and events, all of which would not be possible solely with paid staff. Together we make a lasting impression on every group of school children that walks through our gates, everyone who attends one of our community outreach programs and every family who visits for a day of fun and adventure.
Thank you to Mayor Meer, the Michigan City Park Board members, City Council members, Zoo Society members, donors, supporters, and sponsors. We could not accomplish so much without your continued support. A special thank you to the Park Department staff and maintenance crew for always being there to aid in the exciting developments at the zoo. I also want to recognize the residents of Michigan City, they are at the core of what has sustained and prospered our zoo through the decades. We truly appreciate everyone’s involvement and we look forward to all of the continued partnerships.
With 2018 being our 90th anniversary, the zoo staff is looking forward to continuing our improvement plans and evolving the Washington Park Zoo into a leading resource for community education and conservation while providing a top tourism destination.
Collection Notes
The zoo focuses on providing the highest quality of care to every animal in our collection throughout their lifetime. Visitors come to the Washington Park Zoo to see their favorite animals and to learn about new animals species. In 2017, we brought in a trio of Arctic Fox, Alligator Mexican Lizards, Uromastyx Lizards, two aquatic displays of fish, and two Boer Goats. Since good zoos do not breed animals without knowing that they will have a safe home, we don’t always have a high birth rate, but in 2017 we welcomed River Otter pups, Timber Wolf pups, Golden Handed Tamarin twins, a Mini Zebu, Indian Peafowl chicks, and a Tufted Capuchin. Sadly, the zoo had to say goodbye to a few residents this year including a Tufted Capuchin and Domestic Ferret due to cancer, and a few longtime residents who we lost to advanced age-related complications including a Barbados Sheep, a Bearded Dragon and a Nigerian Goat.
Zoo Admission and Guest Services
Our guest services team is dedicated to providing a remarkable and enjoyable experience for all of our guests. An adventure to the zoo can feature many fun experiences including a
38 | P a g e train ride, animal feeding, unique gift items, fantastic food offerings, and more. 2017 was a very successful year with increased attendance and revenue in most of our operations.
Year Admissions Visitors Train Train Rides Feeder Aviary Gift Shop Concessions 2013 $332,150.51 73,426 $13,566.00 4522 $5,921.25 $12,564.00 $99,432.09 $70,256.00 2014 $338,081.42 90,859 $17,165.00 5722 $7,282.25 $12,488.00 $118,373.92 $73,495.42 2015 $388,754.11 79,460 $13,829.00 6645 $7,325.75 $11,373.00 $124,165.57 $76,494.53 2016 $401,054.75 85,121 $18,715.00 6439 $6,317.00 $12,540.00 $128,174.47 $78,770.02 2017 $448,952.05 100,122 $22,954.00 7683 $7,061.00 $16,589.00 $147,155.07 $82,205.65
Note: In 2014 we participated in the Seven Peaks program, so attendance was higher and some revenues lower due to the unlimited free admission under the program.
Education Highlights
The education department continues to strive towards meeting our mission with every program and event we present or attend. We do all we can to meet the needs of our guests while providing fun learning experiences and teaching them how to be good stewards of this great planet. In 2017, we connected with over 15,000 school children through field trips to the zoo, outreach programs and in-house presentations. We delivered 75 on-site and 35 off-site programs, reaching over 5,000 individuals of all ages. Our summer camp program served 185 children and registration requests continue to exceed our room and staffing capacity. Each year the Washington Park Zoo relies on support from volunteers to help us strengthen our education programs, provide animal care, conduct zoo improvement projects, staff events, and much more. Our volunteers and interns help make the zoo a better place for animals and visitors alike. In addition to our regular volunteers, we have members of our community who give their time and talents for special assignments such as ground clean-up days, fundraising and event support.
Education Department
- We conducted six week-long sessions of Summer Zoo Camp for school-aged children and held a very successful 6-day Zoo Tot program for toddlers who were accompanied by a guardian - Outreach programs were held at the summer park programs in New Carlisle, La Porte and Valparaiso
39 | P a g e - Outreach programs were held at numerous local schools, as well as libraries in East Chicago, Lake Station and LaPorte - Zoo staff and interns presented daily engaging and educational experiences where visitors could have the opportunity to meet some of the animals up close during our Keeper Talks
Community Partnerships
We would like to thank the local Lowes Store for donating materials and providing volunteers to help clean up flower beds, paint the deck, paint the bobcat house, and construct the new North American Raptor habitat.
We are very grateful for Franklin Pest Solutions who donated $5,000 for the construction of the pollination pathway and Koi pond.
Thank you to our volunteers Jim, Bob, and Austin for constructing the wooden climbing platforms for the indoor tiger and lion dens, and for the many other projects that you completed throughout the year.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Michiana Bird Society, who donated numerous items from our wish list, and made a sponsorship donation for the avian collection.
A huge thank you to Al’s grocery store and Save-A-Lot for their continued donations of fresh produce for the animal diets.
A special thank you to the volunteers from the Carriage House who painted the outer wood perimeter fence.
Thank you to Marquis Electric who donated their time and the materials to repair two broken security lights near the Feline House building entrance and near the Alligator habitat.
We are proud to announce the zoo won first place in the non-profit category in the Michigan City in the Bloom contest.
The zoo was awarded two Unity Foundation grants in 2017. The first grant was for the Zoo Eco Project in the amount of $2,360. This project provided a zoo map recycling container, plastic bottle recycling bins and 100 bird houses for visitors to construct and take home during our 2017 Kids Day event. The second grant was awarded to make repairs to the Bengal Tiger habitat rockwork.
Zoo Director Jamie Huss received the LaPorte County Convention and Visitor Bureau’s R.O.S.E. Award (Recognition of Service Excellence)
40 | P a g e Recreation Presentations
The zoo staff participated as entertainment for the Michigan City Police Department’s annual Easter egg hunt in Washington Park
Zoo staff and Zoo Society members attended numerous meetings with the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce organizations in surrounding communities
Zoo Society members participated in the Michigan City Kiddie Parade
The zoo participated in LaPorte County’s “Clean it Up” community conservation event
Zoo staff gave presentations to LaPorte’s small animal shelter summer camp program, The Elks Club, The Michigan City Exchange Club, and the Michigan City Historical Society
Conservation
This year we kicked off our “Pollination Pathway” project with the help of a generous donation from Franklin Pest Solutions. We hope that this “on growing” display encourages others to learn more about the pollination process and see how they can do their part to contribute. The Pollinator Pathway garden display surrounds the historic monkey island exhibit and then wraps around the dune to the new concession stand. Its unique palette of native plants, blossoming perennials, fruit trees, and shrubs were planted to attract and feed migrating butterflies and birds. A new 3,000 gallon Koi pond, with live plants, was installed on the west side of the upper aviary. The project also features houses for birds, bats, butterflies, and bugs, as well as signs to inform zoo visitors how birds, insects and plants work together to thrive. Lastly, we incorporated a large, concrete, climb-through, Box Turtle display with an informative sign to bring attention to the plight of this Indiana endangered species.
Zoo Society
The Washington Park Zoological Society is a support organization for the zoo. The Society assists in raising funds for new capital improvements and provides operational support to the zoo. Without their help we would lack the connection to the financial support and some fundraising opportunities within the community. The society is working hard to find new members and supporters who are interested in making a great investment and difference in their community. In 2017, the Society successfully reached out to and connected with surrounding local community chambers and businesses.
Because the Zoo Society is a non-profit organization, we have been able to use their assistance in applying for community grants for zoo improvements and animal care. Our largest grant each year since 2013 has been from the Otto J. and Margaret M. Zack Charitable Trust.
41 | P a g e 2013: $20,000 for zoo food 2014: $60,000 - $20,000 for zoo food and $40,000 for a new freezer and refrigerator unit 2015: $100,000 - $63,600 for zoo food and animal care, $15,500 for the vet treatment room and $20,900 for a new metal roof on the red barn 2016: $120,000 - $70,000 for zoo food and animal care, $50,000 for the new vet clinic 2017: $80,000 - $65,000 for zoo food and animal care, $15,000 for two new emergency backup generators We are extremely grateful for the Trust’s continued support which has allowed us to provide top-notch care for the animals and to create a better zoo experience. They will be donating $64,000 for animal care and food and the purchase of emergency backup generators for the Rotary Castle and the Jungle Building in 2018. In 2017, the Zoo Society increased its membership base to 459 households compared to 261 in 2016; an impressive 76% increase.
In addition to membership sales, the Zoo Society’s on-going fundraising programs include animal sponsorships, Zoobilee, Brew at the Zoo, and the Zoo 5K Run event. The Society also receives unsolicited donations, bequests, memorial contributions, and in- kind gifts of goods and services on behalf of the Washington Park Zoo.
Communication and Social Development
Our zoo guests are also our neighbors and we aim to be an inviting resource by offering special events, unique programs and zoo-centric opportunities that meet our audience’s diverse needs.
The Washington Park Zoo has 12,524 people who follow us on Facebook, which is an increase of 1,524 friends since 2016.
The Washington Park Zoo website continues to offer a variety of rich content with easy access to all of the latest events and news. The site was designed with a revamped menu system, lots of photos, e-commerce (membership registration and donations), and programming forms, which enhance the site's educational value and make planning visits simpler than ever.
Events
Every year we work to engage old and new supporters through special events. Events such as Zoo-B-Que, Kid’s Day, Community Day, and Boo at the Zoo give participants the opportunity to connect with, and be inspired by, the animals at the zoo in a fun environment. These fundraising events provide essential operating dollars for our animal care and capital improvement projects.
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A variety of events appeal to all ages and many focus on families, but others are geared specifically to children, adults or seniors. Our annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, reached a record-breaking attendance of 4,156 guests during the two sessions, which was an increase of 516 attendees over the 2016 event. The Boo at the Zoo event continues to grow with the help of local vendors who donate their time and candy. The Society’s annual Brew at the Zoo, which is an adult-only event, had 331 attendees and the Zoofari Family Fun Night brought in another 297 guests.
For the second year, we hosted a ½ price admission fee “Community Appreciation Day” in September to highlight the zoo improvements. It was well attended by 260 Adults and 131 children.
Capital Improvements
A winter housing building was constructed. It is attached to the upper bird aviary exhibit and allows the birds direct access to their new heated shelter
The old lean-to storage shed was removed near the back entrance gates to allow for a new maintenance building to be constructed. The old maintenance was converted into an animal care clinic.
Lowes donated the materials and labor for a new North American Raptor enclosure next to the Bobcat building
New point of sale systems were installed in the Peacock Café, the zoo admission office, the Tree House Gift Shop, and the Safari Train Ride making us compliant with EMV credit card chip technology
Enhancements were made to many of the animal exhibits throughout the zoo and a few areas had new exhibits created. A tropical fish tank display was installed into a wall of the Rotary Castle. We constructed a second keeper safety entrance in the Timber Wolf exhibit. The old playground equipment near the red barn was removed and the surrounding fence boards were replaced to increase the exhibit space for the llama and mini equine.
A number of improvements for safety and beautification were made in the Feline House. We replaced six rusted wall-mounted benches with larger free-standing wooden benches in the dens. We replaced six metal guillotine lift doors and their corroded side tracks with industrial strength doors and stainless steel track bars in the interior holding dens. The four foot high south perimeter fence on the Bengal Tiger yard was replaced
43 | P a g e with a five foot high fence for safety purposes. All six den walls and metal front panels were painted.
We renovated the three foot tall, glass-walled habitat near the castle. Fence Masters installed a 1” x 1” mesh cover over the exhibit so we can better utilize the space. Due to safety and predation concerns, the previous low walled exhibit limited use of the space to just a few species.
We welcomed a new species into the collection with the addition of three female Arctic Fox. The exhibit is located in the WPA limestone building near the Red Barn. The space has new mesh, new perimeter fencing and a beautiful Alaskan wooded mural scene, painted on the back walls by local artist Tony Blanco.
A new decorative limestone rock fascia was installed onto the north wall of the Rotary Castle’s entrance stairs and ramp
A Koi Fish pond exhibit was installed near the exotic aviary which includes a waterfall feature and live plants
To continue with ongoing safety and beautification efforts, we had some unsafe limbs and weak trees removed, patched some broken walkways, made electrical updates, and replaced the wooden boards around the red barn exhibit
We added three photo opportunities in the zoo with the addition of the large climb through concrete turtle shell, life-size lion statue and the wolf statue. We updated numerous exhibit and directional signs throughout the zoo.
This year we were able to complete the second phase of the Discovery Center plans by adding light fixtures and three ceiling fans under the covered deck and adding patio umbrellas to all of the tables on the lower patio. The old classroom was renovated and now serves as the Peacock Café concession stand. The patio now serves as dining and rental space.
A new classroom and rental room was created in the old concession stand near the front entrance of the zoo. We improved the space by adding new cabinets, painting the entire building and making drywall repairs.
In August, we hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the newly renovated Animal Care Veterinary Clinic. This project was funded by a two-year grant, totaling $65,500, awarded by the Otto J. and Margaret M. Zack Charitable Trust. The building was previously used for storage, office space, animal holding areas, and a maintenance workshop. The renovation completed a dedicated, six-room animal care clinic which allows us to provide first-rate health care for the zoo’s animal collection. The new clinic more than doubled our treatment space and features two treatment facilities, four
44 | P a g e multi-species holding rooms, medical equipment, an office, and a new HVAC system with an air exchange unit.
A pergola over the Fallow Deer exhibit viewing deck was installed as an in-house construction project Emergency backup generators were installed in the Feline House, Animal Care Clinic and the Discovery Center. Two of the units were purchased by the 2017 Zack grant and the other was purchased from the 2016 Endowment fund. A new Ford Explorer was delivered in January 2017. The vehicle was purchased with 2016 city capital funding. ANNUAL BUDGET REPORT
The City purchased a new financial system in 2017. The old system was changed over to the new system on September 24, 2017. Our 2017 data is currently in two separate systems. The information in the new system had not been audited and verified at the time of this report so we are not able to provide a financial report.
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