Huntingburg Park Board Advances Facility Improvements, Safety, and Community Events

A special event application for the Back-to-School Pool Party, which will be hosted by the City, was approved. The party will be held on August 8, and will offer free pool admission as well as other activities like inflatables from Jumping Jacks. Snow cones from Teen Outback and food vendor booths will be available. 

An application was approved for the Herbsfest Queens Pageant, which will be held at Old Town Hall. Herbsfest was also approved to follow its regular schedule, held the last full weekend in September. Various activities, including musical performances, will be offered throughout the event. 

The board discussed a proposal for a new City playground with grant funding through the Land and Conservation Fund. Jessica Condra from the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission has assisted the City with grant applications for the project and was on hand to answer questions. The City is requesting a 50/50 grant to update the playground north of the entrance at League Stadium, making it ADA accessible and replacing aging equipment. If approved, a grant agreement could be received by Fall of 2027. The board accepted the Resolution moving the project forward.

There were two police department incidents at the pool this month, both involving the same person. Chief Kramer provided a report, saying both incidents involved alcohol, with a woman “saying inappropriate things to minors.” The same person has reportedly been picked up by the department again, and the board decided to permanently ban her from the pool and park. She may appear before the board to appeal for reinstatement. 

Following safety concerns about the speed of e-bikes, the board discussed the proposal of a bike ordinance in the parks. This could limit all bikes to the roadway, removing them from walking paths and sidewalks, and infractions by minors could result in tickets for parents. Members expressed concerns about management, but also expressed that this provides a way for law enforcement to respond to unsafe conditions. Although members expressed some support, the issue was tabled to give time for consideration before making a recommendation. An agreement was approved to allow Hopf Equipment to hang a sign at League Stadium for two years. In exchange, the City will rent equipment for the Southeast Playground and the Pickleball Court at $3500 per year during that time. 

In an update on the Fitness Court, the concrete pad has been poured and approval is in progress for the graphics on equipment. Officials are working with the National Fitness Campaign to finalize designs. The Street Department will install equipment when it arrives, which should be in the next few weeks. The Southeast Playground, behind the Girls’ Softball field, was expected to be complete by last Friday. After improper turf installation, there will be a delay until the company can return and re-lay the turf. 

The Budgetary Cost Estimate Master Plan for the Youth Sports Complex has been completed and was presented to the board. The City could take measures to reduce certain costs, and some presented costs include contingencies that may not be necessary. A donor is also reviewing the information to make decisions about how to proceed.