No lifeguards at beach; park restrooms closed

   Mayor Kathy Chroback announced today (April 16) that due to the continued deterioration of the city’s finances, services provided at the Civic Auditorium are being significantly reduced.

   Beginning July 1, 2010, the Civic Auditorium will be closed to the public except for major events already contracted. This means that the following events will not take place at the Civic:

   — Park and Recreation tole painting class

   — Park and Recreation ceramics class

   — Recreational basketball league

   Major events not already contracted will be considered on a case-by-case basis as can be accommodated by the Civic’s reduced staff. The election polling station will remain open on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2010. All meetings scheduled at the Civic will need to be relocated. Anyone needing to contact the Civic Auditorium should call the Park Office at 326-9600.

   In addition, all recreational programs, excluding softball league, little league, tennis and kid’s camp, have been canceled until further notice.

   Park closures include the beach house and lifeguard stations at Stone Lake Beach, public restrooms at city parks and all city neighborhood parks. They are closed for the season with no maintenance scheduled. Kesling Park, Fox Park and Soldiers Memorial Park will remain open with limited availability and limited maintenance.

   “Returning the Park Department and the Civic Auditorium to full public service is dependent upon the ability of the elected LaPorte County officials to timely collect real estate taxes in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana,” the mayor’s press release stated.