It appears the community has cleared another hurdle – or shall we say boulder – in attempts to pay for and construct the future Rotary Park on Warsaw’s west side.
On Friday, the city formally received two more donations for the park, bringing the total to $92,679.
Organizers say they need roughly $100,000 to cover expenses.
The park is under construction at the corner of West Center and West Market streets.
On Friday, the city Board of Public Works and Safety accepted two donations, including one from K21 Foundation for $20,000.
The other gift, $2,500, is from Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and comes from the Thomas J. LeHew Endowment Fund, according to information provided by the Foundation.
“This is a really exciting development in our journey to develop Rotary Park,” said Justin Taylor, assistant city planner.
Mayor Joe Thallemer, a member of the board of works, called the project a “truly collaborative” effort.
Development of the park has relied on various groups of support, including Warsaw Rotary Club. Kosciusko County Convention Recreation and Visitor’s Commission provided $20,000.
The Rotary club is selling engraved bricks to help fund the project.
“We’ve definitely gotten a lot of support from different entities around the community,” Taylor said.
The future city park will provide a respite for bicyclists using the Lake City Greenway, which connects to the Chinworth Trail further to the west.
A pavilion has already been constructed, and two huge gear cogs from White Rolling and Machine Co. were recently installed as a way to honor the city’s industrial heritage.
Money from K21 will be used to purchase man-made boulders, for climbing, or as some call it, “bouldering.”
One of the boulders will be 9 feet tall. The additions will be installed next spring.
“The boulders are one of the more exciting part of the park because it’s a new feature and something we don’t have at other parks in the city,” Taylor said.
If all goes well, the park will be dedicated in June when the Rotary Club celebrates 100 years.
In a news release issued Friday, K21 celebrated its involvement.
“K21 is very excited to see the completion of Rotary Park and the city’s continued effort to improve the vibrancy of our community, particularly since it will be located on a side of town where there are very few parks, and it will offer the unique feature of large rocks for those who enjoy climbing,” said K21 President and CEO Rich Haddad.
“The location of the park is also a benefit since it is situated along the east/west corridor of the Greenway and will offer a great spot for walkers, runners and bikers to stop and rest or relax along their way,” he said.
To learn more about the project, go online to polarengraving.com/warsaw
