The Brummitt Road park and playground are closed until spring, as happens each year.
The township’s new Elm Road playground remains accessible but please note the parking lot is not plowed, garbage pickup is suspended, and pickleball nets have been removed. As a reminder, the church across Elm Road from the park welcomes visitors, and has a playground suitable for smaller children.
This year, Harris Township again refreshed the mulch at the Brummitt Road playground, and replaced worn and vandalized playground pieces. We hope these (expensive) improvements were appreciated, and are happy to see so many visitors at the park when it is open. When it is closed – typically late November to mid-March – we ask that you not park outside the front gate or enter the property.
Interested in more places to get outside year-round?
1) We encourage you to contact the County Parks Department and ask them about providing a county park in Harris Township. None exists today, yet they own property on Anderson Road with no plans to utilize it. They also have a PARKS budget in excess of $1,700,000 which is partially funded by Harris taxpayers. In contrast, the entire township operations budget is $144,000 with no line item specific to parks.
2) If you live closer to city limits – recently creeping north into the township up Gumwood Road, Fir Road and Capital Avenue – you might also contact the City of Mishawaka. There is no Mishawaka park north of Day Road, and of course none in Harris Township.
Harris Township is doing it’s best to fill the recreation gap, but what we can do is limited. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
A small group of volunteers helped the township fix swings, swap out vandalized panels, and replace faded sails above Harris Township’s Park at Brummitt Road. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the team who worked so hard to improve the community.
The mulch was recently refreshed, too. Doesn’t the park look great? We think so. THANKS again.
The pickleball nets at the Elm Road park will come down for the winter in November, with the exact date being weather-dependent.
We hope you enjoyed the first full year of play.
EXPLORER DOME – now available at Harris Township Park at Elm Road, between the library and the fire station on Elm Road, north of State Road 23. Brought to you by your Harris Township elected officials: Board members Jeff Broadwick, Chuck Sulok and Karen Vargo, and Township Trustee Kenneth E. (Ken) Lindsay
Another addition to Harris Township Park at Elm Road is almost complete. Any guesses? Stay tuned for updates.
Harris Township has two cemeteries, two parks, and the trustee office. Not that much, but it takes work – and therefore cost – to keep everything clean and well maintained.
At the Elm Road park, we’ve seen litter a few feet from a garbage can, watched a youngster climb up on the basketball hoop and others mark the court surfaces with skateboard and bike wheels.
Recently at the Brummitt Road park, cars entered in the dead of night to rip up the new parking lot surface.
So, dear taxpayer, we’re spending your money to put up signs that ask people not to do such things. It is one more step in our quest to provide and preserve top-notch facilities for your use. We’re realists, but also hopeful. Would you please pass the word – to your family, your neighborhood, and your fellow visitors – that their help to that end is appreciated.
Thank you.
Trustee Ken Lindsay
While not a township event, the local Rotary does good work and can use your support. Trivia night is May 19th in Mishawaka. RotaryTriviaSignup@gmail.com to register
Intro to pickleball Mondays in April 5:30pm Elm Road, between library and fire station. No experience or paddles necessary. Weather permitting.
