City of Gary Board of Parks

The City of Gary Board of Parks meeting on November 11, 2026, approved the October 27 minutes, the claims report through November 6—with one of two duplicate entries removed—and the October 30 payroll report. The board also discussed recovery from the August 11 storm: the city has engaged two contractors, including Thompson Incorporated for FEMA grant and reimbursement assistance; the other contractor’s name was unclear in the transcript, but debris collection and disposal were described. Staff reported more than 400,000 cubic yards of tree debris and said removals followed FEMA standards, with Army Corps of Engineers oversight.

Procurement and project updates included catering bids received for Marquette Park, with review underway and a decision expected by November 15; no award was reported. Staff described a basketball contract arrangement with monthly invoicing instead of a seasonal lump-sum payment, but said documentation would be brought to a future meeting. Hudson Campbell’s move-in is now planned for January because IT equipment and furnishings are taking longer than expected; a later renovation phase is expected to cover gymnasiums, offices, dance and workout rooms, roofing, and mechanical upgrades. Park maintenance also sought a vendor quote to replace a vandalized fence railing. No contract award or dollar amount was specified for these items.