(Michigan City, IN) - The Oasis Splash Park at Washington Park will be closed during the upcoming powerboat races in Michigan City.  The popular water feature will be closed August 3rd and 4th when the annual Great Lakes Great Prix will dominate the activity at the lakefront park.

 

Oasis Splash Park will resume normal operations on August 5th, according to the Michigan City Park Department.  The water feature is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

 

The Great Lakes Grand Prix has attracted as many as 200,000 or more people for watching boats race along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the race related events leading up to and during the two days of competition.  Jack Arnett, CEO of the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said race teams will be coming here from several continents.

 

A $40 special events parking fee will be charged for every vehicle entering the park without a parking sticker.  All other vehicles will not be allowed into the park due to very limited parking, officials said.

 

Arnett encourages people to park for free at Blue Chip Casino where an air conditioned shuttle will take spectators to and from the race at no cost.

 

“Try not to drive into the park.  The park is going to be full,” he said.