Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department

For Immediate Release

Date: April 12 2012

City Kids Day Camp Registration

Michigan City, IN (April 12, 2012) –The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department announces it's City Kids Day Camp program will begin enrollment on Monday, April 16th.  Children ages 6 through 11 can celebrate summer in beautiful Michigan City at the CITY KIDS DAY CAMP!  Michelle Ohms will direct the camp and administer an exciting schedule that promises unique summertime adventures for children.  Helping the youth of Michigan City grow is the goal.  Values, friendships, learning, and teamwork will guarantee tons of great summertime memories.  The cost is $35 per week for City Kids Day Camp and $20 per week for those enrolled in MCAS summer school.  The camp will be held at Lake Hills Elementary School.

The program is limited to 65 participants on a first-come first-serve basis.  Pre-registration is required.  Registration will take place from 8 am to 4 pm at the Park Office (now located on the lower level of City Hall) beginning April 16th.  AGE VERIFICATION WITH A BIRTH OR BAPTISMAL CERTICATE IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER.

City Kids Day Camp opens the week of June 18th and ends on August 10th.  The day camp schedule is Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm (off on the 4th of July).  For more information, call the Park Office at (219) 873-1506.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

For Immediate Release

Date: March 21, 2012

Michigan City In Bloom Announces Clean-Up Michigan City Week!

Michigan City, IN (March 21, 2012) –To kick off the Third Annual Michigan City in Bloom Beautification Contest, Mayor Ron Meer has declared June 17-June 23rd, 2012 “Clean Up Michigan City” Week. All Michigan City citizens are asked to take an active role in this very important beautification effort. The Michigan City in Bloom Committee is requesting each council ward to target problem areas and organize volunteers to clean them up! Of special interest, businesses located in heavily littered areas are asked to take a leadership role in making their business areas litter free.

Michigan City In Bloom is a project run by a committee of local volunteers dedicated to promoting beautification programs in all areas of Michigan City through education, plantings, sweat equity, and environmental awareness. Mayor Meer and the Michigan City in Bloom Committee extends an invitation to all city residents to make a special effort during the week of June 17-June 23rd, 2012 to tidy up their own yards and neighborhoods If possible, donated time would be greatly appreciated in volunteering to beautify some of the public areas that need attention.

For more information, please contact John Pugh, City Planner at 219-873-1419 ext. 324 at City Hall, or committee member Julie Manner by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Download Michigan City in Bloom contest application

For Immediate Release
Date: March 21, 2012

Washington Park Parking Stickers available at CITY HALL in the Clerk’s Office

Michigan City, IN (March 21, 2012) – The Parks & Recreation Department will have 2012 Parking stickers available at City Hall in the Clerks Office weekdays from 9am-4pm. Parking sticker fees this year will be FREE for Civil City Residents, $23 for current Senior Center members who live outside the Civil City Limits, $40 for all other Indiana Residents, and $100 for Out of State residents. Anyone receiving a parking sticker MUST have a current vehicle registration. Temporary certificates of registration, issued by the local BMV branches, cannot be accepted.  You must bring in the original certificate of registration card which is mailed to you.

Those that reside outside of the civil city limits, but own property within the civil city limits may also receive a free sticker provided they bring proof of the property they own within the civil city limits in addition to their current vehicle registration. Acceptable documents include tax bills, current utility bills with their name and the address of the property within the city limits. 

The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department is now located in the lower level of City Hall.

Parking sticker hours are as follows: Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm at CITY HALL and every Saturday from May 12 until Sat. July 28 from 9am-12noon at the PORT AUTHORITY. For more information, contact the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department at 219-873-1506.

• Download the press release

Michigan City, IN (March 2, 2012) – The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department announces the launch of a new program called “Start Smart Sports Development Program.”  Start Smart was developed by top motor skill development specialists in the field of youth sports.  Parent-child groups perform motor skill tasks that gradually build confidence in children while they are having fun at the same time.  Each Start Smart Program utilizes the Start Smart Sports Readiness Test to help parents objectively measure kids’ abilities.  As the program progresses and children show improvement, the skills and exercises are altered so that each child remains challenged.  Parents spend quality time together with their child while learning how to properly teach and support them in sports.  This program will be offered at the Northwest Athletic Club on Saturdays only.  Session I is from April 14-May 19; Session II from June 9-July 14; Session III from August 4-September 1; and Session IV from September 22-October 27 all scheduled from 9-10am.  This program is open to boys and girls ages 3-5 and is $35 per child.  Registration is at the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department located in the lower level of City Hall or online at www.mcparksandrec.com.   For more information, please contact Jeremy Kienitz, Recreation Director at 219-873-1506 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Download the press release

Michigan City, IN (January 26, 2012) - Washington Park Zoo is seeking dedicated volunteers for the 2012 season.

ZOO DOCENTS NEEDED
Whether you are a high school student or a retiree, if you are a positive, energetic person who likes working with people, the Washington Park Zoo has the wild volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year and are essential members of our staff.  Volunteering at the Zoo offers you a tremendous opportunity to become involved with the Zoo's educational programs and beautification efforts. Volunteering is a wonderfully rewarding experience that directly benefits the Zoo and helps us advance our mission and goals.  We're always looking for more volunteers. We can accommodate you whether you want to volunteer from time to time or on a regular basis. If you love animals, love people, and love the idea of working at the Zoo, we have a place for you.

Education Volunteers will attend an orientation session and once accepted will receive a volunteer handbook and attend twice a month classes at the zoo on various zoological subjects in the zoo’s classroom.  After attending four sessions, the volunteer will receive a shirt and nametag and will obtain free annual TB testing required for volunteers working in animal care departments.  PLEASE NOTE: Docent volunteers must be at least 18 years old; all volunteers must be willing to work outdoors and at times be on their feet for their entire shift.

JOIN ZOO TEEN CLUB
Do you have a teenager who loves animals? Perhaps one who already has a menagerie, but wishes he or she could care for more animals? Or maybe your teen dreams of working with animals, being a veterinarian or a zookeeper some day.
Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City is starting a Zoo Teen program that will give young adults exposure to career opportunities there, which could be a stepping stone to making their dreams a reality.  This program is designed for student’s ages 14 through 18 years of age.  Students must have a sincere interest in learning about animals and working for a zoological organization.

INFORMATION
Interested individuals do not need to pre-register to attend the kick-off meeting that will be held at the zoo on February 21st at 6:00 pm.  Regardless of age all volunteers interested must bring the following items to the meeting:

• Application (located on zoo website)
• Cover letter and Resume (Why & Who information)

Volunteer under 18 years of age please bring a parent/guardian with you to the meeting or a signed permission slip. The application process currently opens February 19st, 2012.  The group will meet on selected Sunday evenings from May to August.

A $40.00-training fee includes a volunteer instruction manual as well as a T-shirt for Zoo Teens and a vest uniform for Zoo Docents.  Training will be limited to class size of 12 docents and 12 zoo teen volunteers.  Volunteers will support the Zoo's mission by volunteering their time and talents by participating in educational programs, on-grounds programs, special events and having the opportunity to assist in an animal areas in exchange for classes in wildlife conservation, zoo management and animal behavior.  Combine these class experiences with volunteering and you get one amazing opportunity to work with animals and learn and teach others!  

Wild Opportunities and benefits of volunteering with the Washington Park Zoo are:

• Personal development and recognition of being an experienced exotic animal care taker
• Assist with community outreach animal presentation to people of all ages
• Receive extensive animal, plant and conservation training
• Invitations to special Zoo functions and opportunities to participate at special events
• Receiving Quarterly “At The Zoo” Newsletter
• Attend annual volunteer recognition party
• 10% discount at Zoo Gift Shops
• 30% discount at Food and Beverage Stands

For more information please visit washingtonparkzoo.com, or email Zoo Director Johnny Martinez at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    We can be reached by phone at 219-873-1510.

• Download the Washington Park Zoo Volunteer / Docent Press Release