Michigan City Planning Lakefront Project

(photo courtesy Doug Ross/The Times of Northwest Indiana)

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission has approved the construction of a new $5 million entranceway to the city’s lakefront. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the project would create a more user-friendly experience for visitors.

Don Babcock, president of the redevelopment commission, tells the publication the project is expected to begin after Labor Day and be complete in 2019. The project would include a two-lane roundabout leading into and out of Washington Park, which would eliminate the need for visitors to stop and make a U-turn to reach the park.

Babcock says the goal is to keep traffic moving and reduce backups during major events and other busy times at the park. The project also calls for improved lighting and landscaping, along with an additional paved parking area that would replace a grassy area that is currently used for overflow parking.

"The city is on the rise, and we’re seeing more and more interest in the city and Washington Park and all of our great amenities," said Babcock.

Funding for the project has not been finalized, however Babcock tells The Times some of the money will come from the commission and the Michigan City Port Authority.