Kosciusko County master Gardener Kathy Kostro asked for a reduction in Center Lake Pavilion rental fees at the Warsaw parks board meeting Tuesday.

Kostro said the local organization plans a gardening event with regional speakers Feb. 21 and the Master Gardeners have raised $240 of the $300 fee for the Saturday event. She said the group had gone to the Convention and Visitors Bureau and was denied funds because the CVB has no money. They were directed to the county council.

"We expect more than 100 people and are encouraging them to spend the night. We expect people from Chicago, Michigan and Wisconsin," she said. "Since we do rent the pavilion frequently, could we have a reduction?"

Park board president Bill Baldwin said many not-for-profit groups seek reductions in the fees and they have been denied.

He asked Kostro to attend the Feb. 17 meeting.

Year-end reports were reviewed by the board. Superintendent Jon Garber said most of the improvements were to various electrical systems. A 400-amp transformer has been installed at the Center Lake Pavilion; a control panel is in place to power the stage area and winter holiday lighting; and a new meter, service box, wire and outlets were installed at the north end of Bixler Park.

At Pike Lake campgrounds, a new panel was installed and upgraded with 50 amp plug-ins to accommodate the requirements of larger camping units.

New equipment for Mantis Skate Park was installed as well as a security fence bordering the Beyer Farm Greenway Trail along park property.

The department also purchased a 2004 3/4 ton extended cab GMC pickup truck; a 2003 Toro Twister utility vehicle, a 1994 13-yard Ford garbage truck and a Konica copy machine.

Income from rentals, donations/grants or vendor fees/admissions totaled $223,781, Garber said.

The campground continues to be the most profitable with income of $71,928.24, expenses of $27,698.78 and a net income of $44,238.46.

The Pete Thorn Youth Center, which houses the Baker Youth Clubs, the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Council on Aging programs is the most expensive with income of $35,000 ($17,000.04 in lease payments and $18,000 from Wayne Township) and expenses of $42,767.58 for a net income of - $7,767.54.

Activity director Janelle Wilson reviewed recreation programs for 2003 saying businesses supported event, except those requiring an admission fee. The department offered 13 programs to the public last year.

Wilson said a Garden Tea Party for mothers, daughters and grandmothers is planned for next year and three more movies will be added to the Movie Monday series.

A "rain site" for Friday concerts is being expected so the popular program doesn't extend into September again next year.

In other business the board:

• Re-elected Bill Baldwin president and John Sadler vice president for a second year.

• Approved a garden bed maintenance agreement with Janet Essig in an amount no less than $8,000 or more than $12,000.

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins swore-in Toby Sumpter, the mayor's representative on the park board, for another term.

Park board members are Bill Baldwin, Cathy Folk, Bob Richmond, John Sadler and Toby Sumpter. Jeff Grose is the city council representative.

Richmond and Grose were absent. [[In-content Ad]]