Board of Parks (7-17-26)

The City of Gary Board of Parks held a meeting on July 17, 2026, where they approved several contracts and budget items related to park operations and programming. Key procurement actions included awarding a $9,000 professional services contract to Woodland Child Development Center for youth summer programming, a $1,500 contract to Morning Bishop Theater Playhouse for a summer program, and a concession contract with Bling City Hot Dogs and Polishes LLC for the Marquette Park concession stand through October 31, 2027, with an option for extension. Additionally, two contracts with Service Sanitation Inc. for port-a-potty services at various park locations were approved, each not to exceed $30,000. The board also discussed operational issues such as lifeguard training expenditures, maintenance projects including handicap access pad improvements, and concerns about tree removal related to event vendor space at Marquette Park. No new policy changes were reported, but ongoing maintenance and vendor management were emphasized.