City of Gary - Board of Park 10/27/26

The City of Gary Board of Park Department met on October 27, 2026. Commissioners approved the September 22 minutes and claims through October 23. Claims discussion included $11,222 for porta-potty service covering the parks and $12,393 in Mechanical Concepts repairs at Hudson Campbell; staff said some repair costs may be recoverable through FEMA invoices. Commissioners questioned discrepancies in the payroll report’s overtime hours and requested an explanation from finance. The transcript records a motion to approve payroll, but does not clearly capture the vote result. No new contracts were presented for approval. Staff were asked to submit contracts needed for January by the next meetings, and the Hudson Campbell boxing program’s expired contract is expected to return for discussion. A tennis coach proposed renting facility space January through March, but no approval is recorded.

Staff reported that previously approved lighting improvements at Tolleston, Glen Ryan, and Roosevelt pavilions are expected to begin soon, and that a $400 machine rental was being arranged to level a baseball/flag-football field; no board approval of that rental is captured. The administration is reviewing park fees, including potentially increasing some rates, with information expected at a future meeting. The board also discussed possible county funding for park projects and FEMA assessments of storm damage. Other updates included the Gleason golf range opening and routine winter maintenance.