Category Archives: News & Events

Updates, messages and other announcements are posted under this category with the intent to notify residents. Posts under this category are emailed in a newsletter at the end of the day.

Cooling shelter available amid extreme heat

With dangerously hot weather moving in through Elkhart County this week, the City of Goshen is asking residents to be mindful and take action to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports an excessive heat advisory from Tuesday Afternoon through Saturday, with heat index values rising into triple digits.

Extreme heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

In talking with the Goshen Public Library and First Light Mission, the City of Goshen has designated the library, 601 S. Purl Street, and First Light Mission, 801 Wilkinson Street, as cooling centers during these extreme weather events. Individuals can go to the library to cool down and escape the heat. Individuals can use the Library during its regular business hours, which are below.

First Light Mission is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will provide a safe, cool place for those exposed to the elements and welcome those in need with open arms while also ensuring the privacy of residents and their families.

  • Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The NWS recommends being prepared to drink plenty of fluids and staying in an air-conditioned room or out of the sun if possible.

Additionally, Mayor Gina Leichty asked residents to look after one another. “Please check on your friends, family, neighbors, the homeless, and the elderly during this time of extreme heat,” she said. “If you know of anyone in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call for help.”

If you need assistance checking in on someone, please contact Officer James Ballard at 574-536-1790. If you need transportation to a cooling center, contact the Goshen Police Department at 574-533-4151. Please call 911 if you have an emergency.

Kerry’s Kids Annual Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon returns July 6

Kids are once again invited to join in on the fun at the Kerry’s Kids annual Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon on Saturday, July 6, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. in Shanklin Park. Participants ages 5-18 are welcome to compete in this professionally chip-timed race. New this year, kids in the 13-18 age group can now enter as a team of 2-3 participants.

While some of the participants are competitive in nature, the emphasis of the event is primarily on the accomplishment of finishing the race. Parents are invited to participate with their children during the run portion of the race to show their support and to be actively involved in their children’s steps toward healthy lifestyles.

The distances of each portion are based on the age of the participant, pre-teen or teen. Pre-teen racers will swim 25 meters (one length of Shanklin Pool), bike 1 mile, and run ½ mile. Teens (ages 13–18) will swim for 75 meters (three lengths of Shanklin Pool), bike 1.5 miles, and run 1.5 miles. Each participant completes all three portions of the race consecutively. There is also a category for non-swimmers, which is a category for those needing a life jacket to swim 25 meters; life jackets are mandatory for this category.

Registration is $30 per child, and team rates are $20 per child. Parents can register their children online or in person at the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, 524 E. Jackson St. Registration is open through July 5.

Start times for each age group are below:

  • Age 13 – 18 (individual and team relays): 8 a.m.
  • Age 9 – 12: 8:30 a.m.
  • Ages 5 – 8: 9:30 a.m.

Packet pickup will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at the Park Office from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Parks Department will not be conducting bike and helmet inspections this year. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child’s equipment is safe for the event. 

To register, visit goshenindiana.org/triathlons.

Public Notice: High Park Avenue Reconstruction – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the reconstruction of the High Park Avenue and Woodward Place roadways.

The project is located between S Main Street (SR 15) on the east and Gra-Roy Drive on the west and north. It is located in the NE 1/4 of Section 21, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will either flow into roadside swales where it will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west or flow into the existing combined sewer system.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Make a splash at Goshen Parks and Rec’s Pop-Up Water Park

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Pop-Up Water Park at Pringle Park, 1912 W Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, June 22, for an afternoon of endless fun for the whole family.

Wristbands are $10 and can be purchased online ahead of the event or onsite at the event. The pop-up event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and food vendors will be on-site for an additional cost. 

For more information, visit the registration page or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 574-534-2901.

City of Goshen’s 2024 Pavement Preservation Program will begin Monday June 10th

Beginning on Monday, June 10th, 2024, RejuvTec Inc., will begin the City of Goshen’s pavement preservation program by treating roads with Reclamite®.  

Reclamite ®is a rejuvenating fog seal that will be applied to the streets listed below. RejuvTec will be working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Expect traffic control with some lane restrictions and minimal disruption to traffic in the following areas.

ROAD TREATEDFROMTO
6/10/24 – North and South Eisenhower Dr. Dierdorff Rd.Dierdorff Rd.
6/10/24 – Westwood Rd.Gra-Roy Dr.S. Main St.
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.College Ave.E. Plymouth Ave.
6/11/24 – East. Douglas and East  ReynoldsU.S. 33 (Lincolnway East)U.S. 33 (Lincolnway East)
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.E. Douglas St.E. Reynolds St.
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.E. Reynolds St.Egbert Ave.
6/12/24 – Fescue Ct.Michigan Ave.Cul-de-sac
6/12/24 – Mayfield Dr.Greene Rd.Bashor Rd.
6/12/24 – S. Indiana Ave.W. Plymouth Ave.500 Feet North of Indiana Ave.

This process will help restore the asphalt pavement, eliminate cracking and potholes, reduce road fatigue, and slow the oxidation process. This technology is designed to extend the life of pavement.

Application Process:

  • Traffic and all parked vehicles must be off the scheduled roadway by 8:00 a.m.
  • The contractor will close the road to apply the treatment.
  • Sand will be applied, and the road will then be cleared for traffic.  Do not drive on the road until after the sand has been applied because the road will be slick, and oil can get on vehicles. 
  • Please keep vehicle speed to a minimum for several days following treatment to reduce the chance of residue on vehicles. 
  • In case of inclement weather or water on the roads, work scheduled for that day will be moved to the following day.
  • If residue gets on driveways, you may wash it with water or let it wear off in approximately two to six weeks.  If residue gets on a vehicle, wash it immediately with soap and water or use a mild solvent remover such as Bug and Tar Remover, WD-40, etc. 

For additional questions, please contact the Street Department at 574-534-9711 or streets@goshencity.com.

Environmental Resilience Department plants food forest in partnership with Maple City Health Care Center

Last month the Department of Environmental Resilience and its AmeriCorps members worked with Maple City Health Care Center’s (MCHCC) Vista location to plant a small community food forest for the patients and staff.

The Vista Food Forest presents a unique opportunity for our community to learn about sustainable gardening, acquire valuable agricultural skills, and support our local food system. By promoting food sovereignty, the Vista Food Forest will engage community members in small-scale garden cultivation. Ultimately, the Vista Food Forest will foster local garden planning, propagation, soil/water management, and local food production while enriching the community.

“Working with Maple City Health Care Center on this food forest project was truly a delight. I’m excited to see the forest mature and the effect it is going to have on Vista’s patients and staff,” said Levi Moser, an Environmental Resilience AmeriCorps volunteer. “Hopefully, this project will encourage more people to see the possibilities they have to grow plants in their own backyards.”

Food forests are organized differently than typical gardens. Instead of planting in rows or beds, food forests are organized by layers. Typically, a food forest comprises seven layers that support each other differently:

  1. The canopy layer, large fruit and nut trees
  2. The understory layer, dwarf fruit trees
  3. The shrub layer, raspberries, blueberries, honeyberries, etc.
  4. The herbaceous layer, herbs and flowers
  5. The ground cover layer, strawberries, and small herbs
  6. The vine layer, grapes
  7. The root layer, carrots, and tubers.

To begin the project, a section of grass was cleared. Then, a diverse array of more than 30 varieties of edible herbs, shrubs, and trees were planted to mimic how plants grow in the wild. Ultimately, this growing method will require less labor than a traditional garden.

 As the trees mature, the canopy of the food forest will be comprised of pecan and eastern redbud trees, offering the other plants cover from the peak of the sun’s heat. The understory is bustling with multiple raspberry, fig, blueberry, and honeyberry bushes, which are crucial in attracting pollinators. At ground level, herbs such as peppermint, oregano, and thyme are ready to suppress weeds as the forest matures, ensuring a healthy and thriving ecosystem.  

Of the 30+ plants in the food forest, several were annuals planted in the hopes that they would reseed themselves over the following years. Squash and pumpkins were especially attractive for this food forest because they will work with the herbs to suppress weeds as they spread along the ground.

Kick back at Goshen Parks and Rec’s Dive-In Movie Night

The City of Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Dive-In Movie Night at Shanklin Pool this Saturday, June 8, from 8 to 10 p.m. featuring the 2007 film “The Water Horse.”

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and entry is $3. Lifeguards will be on duty during the event, and no open swim is allowed during the movie. Pool capacity is limited to the first 200 guests, and floatables are not provided.

If you don’t want to get in the pool, watch the movie while lounging in one of the poolside chairs with snacks from the concession stand.

For more information about upcoming parks and recreation events, visit goshenindiana.org/parks-rec.

Invitation for Bids

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed offers for a 2024 or newer street sweeper for use in the City of Goshen’s Street Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”.

The Specification Documents may be obtained from the City of Goshen’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth St., Goshen, IN 46528 or the City of Goshen’s current Bidding Opportunities portal at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities.  The City shall not be responsible for documents obtained from any other source.

Offers shall be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and all contractual terms and conditions that are included in the Specification Documents. In addition to price, offers will be evaluated based on whether the Bidder is responsible, and if the Bidder’s offer is responsive.

Offers shall be filed with the City of Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, IN 46528 until 3:45 p.m. June 27, 2024 at which time all offers received will be taken to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board meeting will be held in City Court Room/Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Court Building, 111 East Jefferson Street, Goshen.

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject any and all offers, delete any portions thereof, to waive any informalities or irregularities in any bid received, and to award a contract, consistent with Indiana law, to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder. Award of contract is contingent on the availability of funds.

Bid-package-2024-street-sweeper-finalDownload

Annual Fidler Pond Fishing Derby returns for another year

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department will once again hold its annual Fidler Pond’s Fantastic Fishing Derby for kids on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway East.

Awards will be given to participants ages 3-17 for the first fish caught, the smallest fish caught, the largest fish caught, and whatever else Parks and Recreation staff think of to award!

The event fee is $3, and no fishing license is required. Participants should bring their own poles and bait. For more information and to register, visit goshenindiana.org/parks-rec. Registration closes June 7.

Save the date for other summer parks and recreation events:

  • Dive-in Movie Night at Shanklin Pool, Saturday, June 8th, at 8 p.m.
  • Pop-up Water Park at Pringle Park, Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon, Shanklin Park, Saturday, July 6, 2024
  • Splash-Tastic Weekend at Abshire Park, Friday, July 26 – Sunday, July 28
  • Rock the Quarry Triathlon, Saturday, August 10
  • Touch a Truck, Shanklin Park, Saturday, August 24

City of Goshen to begin next phase of water service line inventory

On behalf of the City of Goshen Water Utility, the State of Indiana has contracted with Abonmarche Consultants to excavate potholes, small holes 1 to 2 feet in diameter, to uncover and verify the pipe material of water service lines at selected residences and commercial properties throughout the City.  

The City of Goshen is required to submit a water service line inventory to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) by October 16th, 2024, as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) nationwide requirements to identify and remove lead in water systems throughout the United States.  

To build its inventory, Goshen Water Utility has used various methods, including an ongoing door-knocking effort to inspect lines connected to water service meters.  

Determining the piping materials at the meter only supports material identification from the shut-off valve into a home, while potholing will allow visual inspection on both sides of the shut-off valve. 

These field verification results will support statistical modeling to make high-confidence predictions about the materials of service lines that have not yet been verified. Potholing locations were selected based on best practices for representative sampling to use available funds most efficiently.  

Potholing will be performed in phases, with the first round expected from late May through June. Properties selected for pothole verification will receive door hangers before excavation.  

All work will be completed within the public right-of-way and include same-day site restoration of disturbed areas. No disruption to the customer’s water service is required. 

To learn more about the potholing effort and what the City has already done to build its inventory, visit https://leadsafe-goshenindiana.hub.arcgis.com/