Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The city of Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board heard updates about the K21 Health Foundation grant, skate park construction and what will be done with Liz Frazier Field at their monthly meeting on Tuesday.
“We successfully secured a major grant with the K21 Health Foundation grant for $275,000,” said Superintendent of Parks Larry Plummer. “It reflects the strong community support from the K21 Foundation.”
With the grant, the Parks and Recreation Board will be able to build the new skate park at Richardson Memorial Park. This grant, along with grants given by the Dekko Foundation and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, all total $334,984.33.
With the grant money being secured, they were able to officially contract the American Ramp Company for the construction of the skate park. With the approval from the Board of Works, the parks department is able to begin meeting for construction scheduling, site preparation and finalizing details.
“The weather's a little wet right now,” said Plummer, “but we’re looking at starting in June or July.”
When asked about the water, Plummer noted the water drains back to the wetland behind it. Board President Larry Ladd asked if there had been soil samples taken, which Plummer affirmed that it had already been done, and it was recommended to look into a geo-grid system.
“Great job on getting those and securing the grants,” said Board member Ryan Burgher. “It’s great to have people like the Dekko Foundation, K21 and the (Kosciusko County) Community Foundation who will pour back into the community.”
Burgher also asked how long they expect the project to take, to which Plummer answered that the American Ramp Company recommends between eight to 12 weeks and should be finished around September or October. Plummer also stated that it would depend more after the construction meetings.
“I’m amazed how quickly this has all come together,” Ladd said.
“There has been a lot of conversation when we first started working on this in 2019 about Liz Frazier Field,” said Plummer. “The site where the skate park will be used to be a softball field dedicated to Liz Frazier … who was a dedicated athlete … and was deeply loved by the community. Unfortunately, leukemia took her life far too soon at the age of 18. I had the chance to meet with her sister, Nancy … and I shared the desire to memorialize Liz as part of the transition. I told her (Nancy) it was important for the wording to reflect how her family wishes to remember Liz. I’ve spoken to her a number of times, and she is deeply moved by this.
“I want the community to know that it was never my intent to bury Liz Frazier Field. I want that legacy to live on and we’ll make that happen. When we have the ribbon cutting, we would also unveil the plaque,” Plummer said.
Reports
Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner stated the campgrounds are officially open, and reservations are building up. Right now, they are waiting for lake levels to go down to reset piers.
“Fortunately, they are going down pretty quickly, so long as rain holds off,” said Gardner.
Other Updates:
Restrooms and shelters are open.
The Parks Department is ready to start sawhorse and picnic table deliveries.
Beyer Park restrooms are functional now, along with the gates and fencing being installed.
All of the storage sheds in the Pike Lake area were redone because of the area they were in caused the sheds to sink and hold water. Thanks to the city's street department, they were able to get it rearranged and “looking fairly good.”
They were able to run a water line in Kelly Park for the slip and slide event.
Two new light bases were installed at Kelly Park after an old pole had rotted.
Plummer met with the new city engineer and ERI out of Fort Wayne about the campground expansion.
“We’re trying to keep up with mowing anywhere it’s not flooded,” stated Gardner.
Board member Noemi Ponce remarked to the board that with her young children, she can always go to the parks and know they will be clean and safe for her children to play in.
Recreation Director Stephanie Schaefer stated the recreation department has been super busy with the following events:
On March 18, they held a senior paint class which was full with 25 participants.
On April 1, they announced the concerts for this summer. Great White will be coming for the “Rocking for Riley” concert on June 19. For the country concert for St. Jude, The Frontmen will be performing on July 17.
On April 8, they had Mark’s Arc Animal Show and had around 350 participants. Schaefer noted that they are planning on having another in the fall, but at the amphitheater, so long as weather permits.
On April 9, they held another chocolate class which was also full at 32 participants and people were asking for more classes.
On April 10, they held a ceramics and popcorn event with 38 participants.
On April 14, they held an Imagination Station with 63 participants.
On April 28, they will be hosting a Superhero event. It only has a couple seats left.
The mom and son dance will be May 1. They have sold 41 tickets and are hoping to have a few more.
On May 15, there will be a porch sign class that is full and the recreation department will be handing out flyers at Third Fridays.
On May 19, they will host another Imagination Station.
The team member of the month is Lynnae Thomas, recreation director assistant. Plummer noted she has a great attitude and willingness to help.
“She was able to help us (the park department) out when Suzanne was out. She jumped in to help and kept up with her own job. Lynnae is a great team player," said Plummer.
Warsaw Rotary Club also contacted Plummer asking permission to put a sign up that says "future dog park" at Krebs Trailhead. They will pay for the sign, which will have a QR code so people can donate.
“I’m supportive of the dog park and I think it’s a good idea,” said Board Vice-President Michelle Boxell. “The QR codes make it really easy to donate.”
“It’s in a little bit of a strange place … a sign will be helpful,” said Board member Jill Beehler.
“When people start going over there after construction goes away, people will become more aware of where the dog park is,” stated Schaefer. This was passed.
The next meeting of the city of Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board will be at 5:30 p.m. May 19.
