Park Board Meeting October 21, 2026

The Washington Park Board met on October 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a rental request for a market event, the proposed Memorandum of Agreement with Discover Downtown Washington (DDW), approval of a five-year master plan, a Lilly Grant opportunity, and routine business. The DDW agreement was tabled for further review, and the five-year master plan was approved.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of Previous Meeting: Approved with a motion and second.
• Financial Reports: Motion to approve as presented and forward to the City Council and Board of Public Works carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Wilson (Chandelier Barn Market Event): Requested a reduced rental rate for the Community Building to host her Christmas on Main event on three Saturdays in December (5th, 12th, and 19th). The board approved the request and instructed her to coordinate logistics with Kip.
• Discover Downtown Washington (DDW) Representative: Attended to discuss the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The representative requested time for the DDW board to review the document. The park board agreed to table the item until the November meeting.

Discussion Items

• DDW Memorandum of Agreement: The board reviewed the MOA, which was modeled after Huntingburg's agreement. While board members found no issues, they decided to table it so the DDW board could formally approve it. The park board will sign in November and the agreement will take effect in January 2027. Discussion included concerns about event fees and park budget constraints (annual Commons costs of approximately $130,000 for bands, insurance, etc., and higher electricity bills). The board noted that nonprofit groups like Bethany Church and RTC pay $1,500 per rental.
• Five-Year Master Plan: Superintendent presented an updated plan, primarily to support a Lilly Grant application. The plan includes a splash pad at South Park or Longfellow, tennis court/pickleball renovations, a walking trail connecting Longfellow to the Sports Complex, and a rebuilt basketball court at Eastside Park. Priorities are year-specific. Board member Pam Bartlett advocated for a small play area downtown, suggesting DDW could pursue a grant. The plan listed tennis courts in both 2027 and 2029; the superintendent clarified it was a duplication and the 2029 line could be removed. Motion to approve was made by Steve Weis, seconded, and carried.
• Lilly Grant: The superintendent reported that Washington was selected to apply for a competitive Lilly Grant of up to $2.7 million. HWC Engineering (Indianapolis) is writing the initial $100,000 non-competitive phase at no charge, with a 10% fee on any awarded grant funds. The application is due by October 30. The grant could cover the projects in the five-year plan.

Superintendent's Report

• Grub, Grooves and Brews: Last event was well attended but smaller due to cold weather.
• Christmas Lights: Hanging completed; figurines will be placed after Thanksgiving to avoid vandalism.
• SAFESTOP: Scheduled for October 31, 5:00–7:30 PM at Eastside Park, with 25 vendors and expected attendance of 2,000–2,500 children. Board members were invited to participate by setting up tables with candy.
• Christmas in the Park: Dates set for December 2 (Wednesday) and December 17 (Thursday). An idea to hold the board meeting during the event was discussed but not pursued due to logistical concerns.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Rental request for Chandelier Barn Market (Christmas on Main Saturdays) with reduced rate.
• Tabled: DDW Memorandum of Agreement to November meeting for board review.
• Approved: Five-year master plan (motion carried, all board members to sign).
• Directive: Superintendent to continue with Lilly Grant application with HWC Engineering.
• Finance: Financial reports forwarded to council and board of works.
• Next Meeting: November meeting will address DDW agreement and any updates.