The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Jan. 15 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Wolves Soccer Club and heard club representatives describe steady growth in participation and safety concerns at Patriot Park.

"Our most recent spring was 341 kids," said Justin Ward, a Wolves Soccer Club representative. "The main concern that I've seen is the safety with the amount of parking, especially during the spring season when there's a lot of activity…people are parking in the grass, backing up behind other vehicles." He said vehicles sometimes block sight lines near a lane used by 4‑ and 5‑year‑old players.

A Wolves representative also warned that some playing areas — notably fields used by U8 and U10 teams — suffer from poor drainage, producing standing water that can make conditions unplayable. "You go out there on a rainy day and watch those kids get in their parents' cars…some of it makes it unplayable," the representative said.

Club representatives suggested possible short‑term fixes such as adding gravel parking or seeking donated crushed concrete to reduce mud. Park staff and board members said adding permanent parking is a capital project that requires city funding; staff noted additional parking lots were in the original Patriot Park master plan and have been on the department's capital list since 2021. They said the city suspended capital spending in 2024 and any construction would depend on future budget availability or grants such as ARPA funds that staff said they could discuss with the mayor.

The board approved the Wolves Soccer Club memorandum of understanding by voice vote. "All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carried," the clerk announced.

Board members and staff thanked the club for its work and noted maintenance staff already try to move fields and keep them playable when possible. Park staff said they will meet with maintenance leadership to examine drainage options and keep the club updated.

Action on the MOU was procedural; the club representatives used the public presentation to request the board and staff consider short‑ and long‑term remedies for parking and field drainage as usage grows.