Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 18, 2025 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Jeni Ekovich, Dennis Nartker, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Brian Brennan, Debra Hasse and Melissa Walker. Public Comments: Brian Brennan talked to the board about his concerns with the Jet Ski Event held on Bixler Lake. Minutes of the July 14, 2025, meeting was approved. (Jansen, Blackman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Jansen, Ekovich) Directors Report: 1. Dawn met with the finance committee about the 2026 budget. The meeting went well. 2. The July appropriation report looks good, with the park staying on track with spending for the year. 3. AEP has been trimming trees in the park and around the Cole Gardens. 4. The board was given the first half of 2025 endowment fund update. 5. Melissa Walker, the new office manager was introduced to the board. 6. Campground income is down from last year. Dawn also explained to the board that there have been a few issues with seasonal campers keeping their lots clean. 7. The Arthur Franklin Mapes state historical marker will be dedicated on September 13, 2025, at 11:00am on Sherman Street. 8. Dawn discussed with the board about setting up a group of individuals who could help with setup and tear down of the mobile stage. She will continue to work on this and update the board. 9. The board voted to extend Dawn McGahen’s vacation hours not to exceed 170 hours. (Blackman, Nartker) Maintenance Report: 1. Staff have continued to mow, weed eat and trim trees. 2. Mowed weeds around the channel and duck pond. 3. Fixed irrigation leaks at the complex. 4. Power washed the bridge near Lions Pavilion. 5. Met and will prepare the area for the Mapes historical marker. 6. Took out the bridge near the dam and paved a path connecting the current walkway. Recreation Report: 1. Summer day camp went very well this year. The campers experienced lots of adventures. 2. The Jet Ski event was successful and received lots of positive comments. 3. The newly opened miniature golf course has had lots of participants playing the course. 4. Saturday August 23rd, the first Musicpalooza will be held in the west park area. There will be 5 music stations with a variety of musicians performing. 5. Summer day camp held a Ninja Warrior Course competition on the new play structure in the tot lot. Campers did the course throughout the summer and their times really improved. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. The wiffleball tournament was held and teams had a lot of fun. 2. Fall ball league and adult coed softball starts this week. 3. Jason has scheduled a fast pitch softball and a baseball tournament this fall. 4. We have an intern this year through East Noble School. Acceptance of Donations: (Jansen, Ekovich) - 4th of July Entertainment-Young Professional Network $260.00 Board Input: Dave said he felt the park looked really good. Jen asked what our new office hours were, she was informed they are M-F 7:00-3:30. She also reminded the board to take the community survey regarding the city master plan. Kevin asked about our 5-year master plan. The board was given copies of the final draft. He also asked about the musical instruments in the upper park. They have been damaged and will be removed. Tracy asked about next year’s jet ski event and if we had started a list of changes we would like to make. Adjournment: 7:26pm . (Jansen, Button)