The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted Jan. 15 to give preliminary approval to the design for the Fetters Alley playground, a waterfront‑inspired, inclusive play area that consultants said was developed with accessibility and preservation of existing trees in mind.

The consultants presented the plan and asked the board for preliminary approval required by grants that support the project. "Our goal, was to create a destination playground that the whole community can be proud of," said Joel Baldwin, a principal with Hitchhike Design Group, the project's landscape architect. He described the design as "inclusive" and "multi‑generational," with fitness stations, an accessible walking loop and play components that tie to Washington Park and the lakeshore.

The plan places the main playground at the west end of Fetters Alley and includes an accessible path around the perimeter, a restroom/storage building, fitness equipment, a small shelter, and play pieces modeled after lakefront themes including a boat structure and fish sculpture. Designers said the large play structure will allow wheelchair users to access a second level so they can share the same views and experience as other users. The preliminary drawings also show hill slides that use the site's slope and a double zip line and other typical playground features.

Baldwin said the team completed site investigations and public engagement tasks and is working to finish construction documents. He told the board the schedule calls for finishing those documents by late March, then going out to bid; actual bid and construction timing will depend on final funding. "It's all contingent on final funding," he said.

Board members and staff noted the project must meet milestones tied to grant funding and will return to the board at later meetings for further approvals. The consultants said they expect to return for additional review at the board's Feb. 19 meeting and again on March 19 with final construction documents.

The board approved the motion for preliminary design approval by voice vote. "All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carried," the clerk announced.

Funding and next steps were discussed during subsequent finance reports: the board accepted a $50,000 donation listed as a park gift for the Fetters playground in the meeting's gifts and donations report; meeting minutes identified the donor bank as Harbor Trust and the donor organization as Doolin Health Council. Board staff said additional capital funding and grant awards — potentially including ARPA funds under consideration elsewhere in the department budget — will be needed to complete construction.

The board's preliminary approval allows consultants to proceed with final construction documents and positions the project to pursue bidding and grant milestones, but it does not obligate the city to a construction contract until later formal approvals and funding are secured.