Skate Center Owner Asks City To Buy His Facility
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Steve Haines joined the Warsaw Parks Department board Tuesday, following a swearing-in by Mayor Ernie Wiggins. Haines replaces Bob Richmond, who recently retired from the board.
Joe Chester approached the board with information about East Lake Skate Center. Chester wrote the department last month advising the city the facility was for sale. He suggested it would make a good municipal asset.
Chester said he is retiring and would like to see the rink remain as a skate center and banquet hall. He has operated the business since the 1970s and is asking $935,000 for the building, business and associated equipment and merchandise.
Superintendent Jon Garber said the parks department simply does not have the money to buy the skate center.
"If someone wanted to buy it for the city, that would be different," he said, "but the sale price exceeds our annual budget."
The board reviewed three annual reports: financial, projects and programs and activities.
Total income was given as $270,824, an increase over 2003's income of $224,061.
Activity director Janelle Wilson said program sponsorships totaled $41,575. There were eight family programs last year in addition to the regular Friday night concert series. In 2005, two new programs - Terra Cotta Takeout and two four-week "Art In The Park" camps - are scheduled.
Several improvements were made to the parks in 2004. The basketball courts at Boggs Park were re-asphalted and the goals were replaced. A multipurpose gymnasium floor was installed at the Pete Thorn Youth Center as was an upgraded fire system.
The Central Park electrical system was upgraded. New signs were installed at Beyer, Kiwanis, Richardson-DuBois, Rarick, Nye, Bixler and Lucerne parks.
At Richardson-Dubois Park, the football field was completed for use by the Young Tiger Football Association.
Garber said he and director Larry Plummer met with several individuals regarding the proposed entertainment stage canopy. A donor is willing to pay up to $100,000 for the covering, but Garber and Plummer said there are several concerns about the installation.
The cover would have to be at least 20 feet high, be aesthetically pleasing and the soil will have to support the weight of the structure.
The board approved Garber's request to pursue preliminary plans and soil samplings.
The possible relocation of Mantis Skate Park was discussed. Baker Youth Clubs is applying for a state grant to help fund construction of a new building. The city council has agreed to let the organization occupy the Mantis Skate Park site and will act as grant administrator. The skate park will have to be moved.
Garber said the parks department has been "left out of the loop" of communications regarding the council's plans and possible relocation of the current skate park facility.
Several upgrades, including a new surface at the park, have been planned for this spring. Wilson said she was told BYC ought to know if the grant is approved by April 1. The park opens April 12.
Park board members are John Sadler, Toby Sumpter, Cathy Folk and Steve Haines. Bill Baldwin was absent. Jeff Grose is the city council representative. [[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
Steve Haines joined the Warsaw Parks Department board Tuesday, following a swearing-in by Mayor Ernie Wiggins. Haines replaces Bob Richmond, who recently retired from the board.
Joe Chester approached the board with information about East Lake Skate Center. Chester wrote the department last month advising the city the facility was for sale. He suggested it would make a good municipal asset.
Chester said he is retiring and would like to see the rink remain as a skate center and banquet hall. He has operated the business since the 1970s and is asking $935,000 for the building, business and associated equipment and merchandise.
Superintendent Jon Garber said the parks department simply does not have the money to buy the skate center.
"If someone wanted to buy it for the city, that would be different," he said, "but the sale price exceeds our annual budget."
The board reviewed three annual reports: financial, projects and programs and activities.
Total income was given as $270,824, an increase over 2003's income of $224,061.
Activity director Janelle Wilson said program sponsorships totaled $41,575. There were eight family programs last year in addition to the regular Friday night concert series. In 2005, two new programs - Terra Cotta Takeout and two four-week "Art In The Park" camps - are scheduled.
Several improvements were made to the parks in 2004. The basketball courts at Boggs Park were re-asphalted and the goals were replaced. A multipurpose gymnasium floor was installed at the Pete Thorn Youth Center as was an upgraded fire system.
The Central Park electrical system was upgraded. New signs were installed at Beyer, Kiwanis, Richardson-DuBois, Rarick, Nye, Bixler and Lucerne parks.
At Richardson-Dubois Park, the football field was completed for use by the Young Tiger Football Association.
Garber said he and director Larry Plummer met with several individuals regarding the proposed entertainment stage canopy. A donor is willing to pay up to $100,000 for the covering, but Garber and Plummer said there are several concerns about the installation.
The cover would have to be at least 20 feet high, be aesthetically pleasing and the soil will have to support the weight of the structure.
The board approved Garber's request to pursue preliminary plans and soil samplings.
The possible relocation of Mantis Skate Park was discussed. Baker Youth Clubs is applying for a state grant to help fund construction of a new building. The city council has agreed to let the organization occupy the Mantis Skate Park site and will act as grant administrator. The skate park will have to be moved.
Garber said the parks department has been "left out of the loop" of communications regarding the council's plans and possible relocation of the current skate park facility.
Several upgrades, including a new surface at the park, have been planned for this spring. Wilson said she was told BYC ought to know if the grant is approved by April 1. The park opens April 12.
Park board members are John Sadler, Toby Sumpter, Cathy Folk and Steve Haines. Bill Baldwin was absent. Jeff Grose is the city council representative. [[In-content Ad]]