(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City officials could hold a hammer over the heads of people breaking rules in the parks.  An ordinance calling for fines and other penalties was introduced at last night’s city council meeting.

Councilman Paul Pryzbylinski said there are rules governing behavior at places like Washington Park but the rules cannot be enforced since there’s nothing allowing for enforcement in the books.  Under the measure he drafted, Pryzbylinski said violators can be cited and fined and being ordered to leave the premises.  The proposed ordinance also opens the door for repeat offenders to be hit with a  a fine of up to $2,500.

A vote by the city council is expected at its next meeting on September 15.  Pryzbylinski said the focus is on Washington Park where the beach just reopened to people with season passes from 2019 and 2020 to provide adequate space for social distancing.