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The Warsaw Parks and Recreation board approved facility and rental fees for 2026 during a board meeting on Tuesday.
For 2026, the Parks Department will be raising their fees slightly. Since there were no increases in 2024 and 2025, it was seen by the majority of the board that these rate increases were warranted because of the rising cost of sewage, utilities, internet, trash, mowing, repairs, labor costs and electric.
“The electric fee one year, by itself, went up by 9 percent,” stated Board Vice President Larry Ladd.
Ladd did state that it was only an 8% raise for this year. Jill Beehler, board member, asked if that rate for the seasonal rate increase was enough, because it honestly did not seem like it was a big increase.
“It’ll help with the cost of the electric,” stated Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer. “I feel comfortable with the $2,700 fee … I think our proposed budget in 2026 will accommodate that.”
Noemi Ponce, board member, asked if there was any backlash the last time the rates were raised, to which Plummer responded, “There’s always someone, but most of the campers understand. If they go look at any of the other campgrounds, we’re just as cheap and offer just as much if not more than the other campgrounds.”
Rates for the campgrounds, Zimmer Biomet Central Lake Pavilion, Firemen’s Building and Nye Youth Cabin all increased by less than 10%. The seasonal facilities and rentals, and damage deposits did not increase, and will stay the same as it has been for the last couple of years. Plummer stated that damage deposits did not increase because people who use the facilities have treated them respectfully.
Senior services will increase from $1,350 to $1,400. Plummer stated this increase was simply because of the utility cost.
Ladd did state that the rate increases are something that they, as a board, need to look at every year. Plummer stated that this comes from an overview and objective look at how the facilities were used, and while remaining fair, have the understanding that they need to pay their bills.
The 2026 rental facility fees and damage deposits was approved as presented.
Skate Park Update
Plummer reported last month the Parks and Recreation Board received a $40,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation for the skate park. Since last meeting, Plummer went to the board and asked to apply for a K21 Health Foundation Grant and the AWS Foundation Grant.
“We’re looking to apply for 50% of the project from the K21 (Health) Foundation, and $50,000 from AWS," said Plummer. "It’s a work in progress but we're trying to get all the funding we can to make this project happen.”
Maintenance Report
Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner said electrical repairs at Central Park were done in order to keep up with the Christmas display. They have been testing out the lights during the mornings in order to see what has been working, and what needs repaired. Gardner said they will be needing more extension cords for some of the lights. Youth Tigers will also be setting up a concessions trailer on Friday and Saturday nights.
Parks staff and carpenters helped to make significant repairs to City Hall. Gardner stated that the outdoor stairwell wall was deteriorated, and that they were lucky that a “good gust of wind didn’t rip it off.” He also remarked that they were lucky to have the skilled employees that they have, and that they were able to save on labor costs for the city.
Butt & Timmons has been working on the Beyer Park restroom. They have the flooring poured, and over half of the exterior block walls are up. While they have been stalled some days because of weather, they are making a lot of progress for the spring opening season.
The Parks Department has been blowing and raking leaves throughout the parks, but “as soon as we leave them, you can’t tell we’ve been there,” stated Gardner.
Recreation Report
Recreation Director Stephanie Schaefer gave the report on the recreation side of things, and they saw another great month, along with looking forward to upcoming events.
Oct. 24 was Spooktacular and the department was able to give candy to over 1,000 kids, along with talking to those who were curious about happenings in the city parks.
Oct. 28 was a chocolate-making class, which sold out. Schaefer stated that several who attended asked if they were going to do it again, and while this was a test run of this class, she stated that it would be great to have more classes around Valentine's Day or Easter.
Nov. 8 was the Family Movie night event at the Performing Arts Center where they screened “The Grinch,” and had the Grinch there to spread his version of holiday cheer. They will be having another Family Movie night on Friday, Jan. 16.
Santa letters are open, and they have received about 16 letters.
Santa’s Workshop is open, and the morning session is sold out, but they still have nine spots in the evening.
Imagination Station on Nov. 18 saw seven new families who moved here after getting a job with Slate Auto.
Dec. 5 will be the Light Up the Night event at Central Park, with a parade at 6 p.m., Santa and reindeer. Schaefer mentioned that the Parks Departments carpenters did a great job on the sleigh.
The next meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Warsaw Police Department training room.
