Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES July 13, 2026 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President (via phone), Kevin Jansen, Vice President, Dave Button, Jen Blackman, Dennis Nartker, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Brian Brennan, and Grace Johnson. Public Comments: None were presented. Minutes of the June 8, 2026, meeting was approved. (Blackman, Button) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Jansen, Nartker) Directors Report: 1. The board discussed helping with maintaining of Wallace Road and will discuss it after obtaining additional information. 2. Dawn is going to start working on the 2027 budgets. 3. Steve Donovan and Susan Crosby are both retired. The board agreed to purchase them each a gift card for a retirement gift. Park employees will also have a luncheon for them. (Nartker, Jansen) 4. Received quotes for mats under swings and merry-go-rounds at the playgrounds. Dawn will order these and have them installed. 5. Wayne Township money has been received. The board agreed that the funds should be put in the non-reverting account. 6. The Apple Tree Center is interested in starting a forest preschool in the park. Dawn will meet with them and make sure there is a location and the proper preparation and liability for this. 7. Told the board about an upset citizen who had damage to his vehicle from backing over a parking bumper. 8. Weekly water tests continue to have good results. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff have been working on getting the upstairs room ready for the shirt machine and production of shirts. 2. Everyone worked their holiday to help set-up, take down and clean up the Fourth of July event. 3. Purchased and installed mobile stage batteries. 4. Built a gaga ball pit in the upper park. 5. Continue to mow, trim and pick up sticks. 6. Repairing irrigation at the complex and the Cole Gardens. 7. Beaches are being groomed twice a week and have been busy with the hot weather. 8. Fixed and replaced an air conditioner in the campground cabin. 9. Staff are working on metal art to be installed at the mini golf course. Recreation Report: 1. The Patriotic Pops event was successful. 2. Summer day camp is going great. Lots of adventures and great times. 3. We are working on Musicpalooza/Saturdays in the Park that will be held August 1 st. 4. The board would like to plant a tree in honor of Mayor SuzAnne Handshoe since she was voted Friend of the Park last month. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex: 1. Tournaments have been going well and we have a few more scheduled. 2. We are hosting a wiffleball tournament on August 8 th, this tournament has had good turnout in the past few years. 3. August 5th is the 20th Anniversary for the KORC, we are trying to work on a small event for this. 4. The soccer fields are being used by several groups and it has been really active with the World Cup going on. 5. The Y is getting ready to start the NFL football program. Acceptance of Donations: (Blackman, Nartker) • Summer Day Camp: Jaren Shepherd $150.00 • Miniature Golf: Jordan Budreau $15.00 • General Use: Fourth of July Photo Ops $500.00 • General Use: Mike Bodenhafer $100.00 • Mobile Stage: Mercy Tree Ministries $500.00  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Board Input: Dennis mentioned that when we plant the tree in honor of SuzAnne Handshoe, we have the media attend. Jen told the board that she is not running for school board reelection so there will be a new board member at the end of the year. Adjournment: 7:08pm (Jansen, Nartker)