The Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board met on November 18 to review community event requests, check progress on major park projects, and discuss changes that will make it easier for groups to plan recurring events in the city.
One of the main topics was a request from Main Street Vermilion to bring back Movies in the Parks for 2026. The board approved four outdoor movie nights that will take place at Showse Park and East Exchange Park. Volunteers and the Showse Park Committee will work together on the series, which will run on June 26, July 31, August 28, and September 25. A professional company will handle the screen and equipment, and the groups will raise funds to cover costs.
The board also reviewed a long list of event permits from the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. Because many of these events happen every year, members discussed a new process to help recurring events move through approvals more smoothly. Under the new system, groups will be able to fill out a recurring event form. If nothing about the event has changed, they may not need to attend a board meeting. If there are changes or if the event is new, attendance will still be required. The only Chamber event approved at this meeting was Santa on the Boat for late November and early December. All other recurring events were held until updated forms can be reviewed next month.
Mayor Jim Forthofer also updated the board on recent Veterans Day events at Exchange Park, the new Gold Star Memorial, lamp repairs at the Village Green, and ongoing checks of the Main Street Beach upper deck gate. He said city staff are working through a large number of donation verification requests as residents prepare tax filings.
Park operations staff shared updates on maintenance and equipment. A new utility cart arrived this week, and the city tractor is set for replacement in January. Crews are winterizing parks, preparing the splash pad for inspection, and finishing leaf cleanup. Staff are also exploring grants for a new beach-cleaning machine that would improve the sand at Main Street Beach.
Committee updates covered several major projects. The Showse Park Revitalization and Transformation project continues to move forward. The ADA walkway around the park is halfway poured and more concrete work is planned in the coming weeks, including the new flagpole area. The Main Street Beach sign project is moving more slowly, but the final sign is ready for installation once posts are set.
The Community Pool Subcommittee reported that for the first time in many years, the pool broke even financially in 2025. Survey feedback from members led to changes in next year’s schedule, including later evening hours and the addition of private swim lessons. Memberships for 2026 are now available online. More outreach and marketing will begin in December.
The Public Art Committee announced that the large fish sculpture planned for Showse Park is fully funded and now in fabrication. More details will be shared in early 2026. Rotary Park organizers shared that the property donated to the Rotary Club has received an accepted offer, and grant research for the park project continues.
Board members also discussed ways to expand recreation programs and addressed year-end budget planning.
The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss the employment and pay of a public employee. The next meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
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