Muncie considers whether Prairie Creek Reservoir should get its own rules ordinance

Muncie officials are considering how to best enforce rules at Prairie Creek Reservoir, currently considered a city park.  But as IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, the Muncie City Council says it’s not really the same and should be a special case.

Muncie’s city parks ordinance prohibits alcohol, gambling, and camping.  Prairie Creek Reservoir is considered a city park, but it’s also a working campground.

At a Monday meeting, the Muncie City Council introduced proposed changes to the parks ordinance.  It includes allowing people who rent or lease a camping space or dock at Prairie Creek to be able to drink and play cards in those areas.

Dustin Clark is the Working Foreman of Prairie Creek.

“The three big ones are allowing alcohol, the ability to play cards – euchre, have fun with your grandkids and play a little Uno – and then having an adult beverage from time to time.”

The changes would allow the Parks Board to create specific rules for leased spaces.

But some council members, like President Jeff Robinson, suggested a better option would be to have a Prairie Creek-specific ordinance.

“Because the needs and the things about Prairie Creek Reservoir are so different than what they are for Canan Commons or for Westside Park.”

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Clark says that’s been considered and he would welcome it.  But as it will take time to write, he’s asking to amend the current parks ordinance for this upcoming camping season.  He and other city officials have been working on an official list of rules for lease-holders at Prairie Creek.  Clark has told various city boards that most of the rules were already informally written down on paper fliers or notes around the campground through the years.

The council will consider the changes again at its March meeting and public input is welcome through February.