Huntingburg Park Board Reviews Pool Prices, Pickleball Courts, Dog Park Plans

The Huntingburg Park Board took up a packed agenda at its March 16 meeting in Council Chambers, working through proposed pool pricing changes for the 2026 season, an update on planned pickleball courts, playground project progress, and four special event applications for community gatherings later this year.

Pool pricing was among the higher-stakes items on the table. The board considered a change to what it currently charges for pool access, with the 2026 season serving as the target timeline. A separate agenda item addressed pool advertising, though no details on proposed ad partners, formats, or budgets were included in available documents.

The pickleball court update also drew attention, with reports tying the courts to associated parking improvements. The agenda listed the item as a standalone update under Superintendent Jace Merkel's report, but the original meeting summary referenced parking alongside the courts, suggesting the two were addressed together. No figures on court count, location, cost, or construction schedule appeared in materials available before publication.

Playground improvements rounded out the facilities discussion, with Merkel's report including a playground update as a discrete agenda item. Which specific parks or pieces of equipment are under consideration was not detailed in available documents.

The board, led by President Dustin Schmett, also reviewed four special event applications: the Daffodil Stroll, the Latino Festival, Huntingburg Girls Softball, and the Huntingburg 5K Fun Runs/Walks. Outcomes of those applications were not included in pre-meeting materials.

The four board members serving alongside Schmett hold mayoral appointments on staggered four-year terms. Abby Fink's term runs through December 31, 2028; Schmett's through December 31, 2027; Randy Fehlberg, the board's newest member, holds a term through December 31, 2029; and Michael Fulkerson's current term expires December 31, 2026.

Meeting minutes, which would reflect any votes taken or decisions reached on pool pricing, pickleball courts, and the special event applications, had not been released as of publication.