Board approves Harbor Country Adventures license for Millennium Plaza after public questions on transparency and fees

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted Jan. 21 to approve a nonexclusive license with Harbor Country Adventures to use Millennium Plaza for the 2026 season, changing the base rent and adding a per-ticket fee, after extended public comment on transparency and revenue sharing.

Staff told the board the city attorney drafted the new agreement and that the license reduces the base fee from last year’s $3,000 to $2,000 while adding a $0.50 fee per ticket sold. Staff said the change reflected a new city requirement for a $4 million liability umbrella insurance policy and that, based on last year’s grosses, the per-ticket fee could generate significantly more revenue in addition to the base rent.

Resident Dakota Euler asked the board to include the missing Exhibit A (map) in the posted agreement and to list plaza rental rates on the parks website so the public understands whether the plaza is available for rentals. He told the board: “I want to start by thanking you for the work that you guys do and the effort that it takes to bring activity and programming to the Millennium Plaza,” and asked for clarity around the agreement’s exhibits and ticket-type accounting.

A long-time operator and event business representative who spoke during public comment described his operating model at the plaza, saying gross ticket sales in 2025 exceeded $92,000 and noting that alcohol sales are a key revenue stream for the operator. He described the operator’s costs, the requirement (by city ordinance) to have police presence at events with alcohol, and urged the board to partner with local businesses to expand programming and explore parking revenue opportunities.

Staff answered public questions about whether premium or VIP tickets would be treated differently under the per-ticket fee and replied the $0.50 charge applies to every ticket type. Staff also acknowledged the parks website is new and said website links and exhibits would be corrected after the administrative fees are approved.

After discussion, Speaker 7 moved to approve the license agreement between the Michigan City Park Board and Harbor Country Adventures; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members and public participants said they hope the agreement balances public access with the plaza operator’s investments.

The board also approved a three-year final-year greenhouse lease renewal for Harbor Country Adventures, and staff said the plaza agreement and the greenhouse lease will be managed under the board’s regular rental and insurance conditions.