Warsaw Parks And Recreation Offers Something For Everyone
June 1, 2023 at 8:16 p.m.
By Joe Thallemer-
The beaches are open and staffed with lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. so the kids can enjoy a cool dunk in the lake!
Let’s look at some of the new programs and facilities being offered by the Warsaw Parks Department that we hope will continue to improve your park experience.
You may have noticed that the Warsaw Parks Department offices recently relocated to a beautiful, brand-new building at the corner of Indiana and Fort Wayne Streets. The large vertical block letter “PARKS” sign on the side of the building makes it hard to miss! The building was officially opened two weeks ago with a ribbon-cutting and open house. It is the new home of the Warsaw Parks and Recreation offices and our first-class maintenance department. We are quite proud of this new facility. Creating a welcoming gateway into Central Park, it is a true reflection of the pride our community takes in its parks!
As described in an earlier column, the much-anticipated Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion renovation will enhance the utilization of this treasured historic community building. The new lakefront recreational trail is expected to be completed in early fall. With that will come expanded handicapped access to waterfront activities, including new paddleboard rental kiosks, similar to the kayak kiosks that were installed last year. The trail will connect all of the lakefront amenities from the Buffalo Street Plaza all the way up to the DNR boat launch.
Several new recreational programs are already proving to be popular. Mantis Skate Park has expanded their course with the addition of three new obstacles. This summer, bicycles will be allowed on the course during certain hours.
Last fall, four new pickle ball courts and two newly resurfaced tennis courts were opened in Bixler Park. Pickleball clinics are now being offered to help those who are new to the sport to develop their skills in a less competitive environment. Opened in 2019, the Kelly Park pickleball courts remain very popular amongst those more competitive players.
After a few years off, our lineup of children’s programming is once again offering “Stories in the Park.” A collaboration with the Warsaw Community Public Library, this popular program attracted several hundred participants at our first session last week.
Also, our long-running “Touch a Truck” program will be back again later this summer at Lucerne Park. The sledding hill at Kelly Park will host two separate “Slip and Slide Luau’s.” Movie nights will rotate to Kelly, Lucerne and Central Parks. Don't forget the beautiful Central Park Gardens and Biblical Gardens, if you have time for a peaceful stroll.
Finally, the Summer Concert Series has become one of our most popular programs. It features a different musical genre every Friday evening. From Big Band to Elvis, be sure to check the location of each week’s concert. We can’t decide where we like it best, so we move it between the Central Park Plaza and the Lucerne Park Amphitheater.
Please consult the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department 2023 Recreation Guide for all of the details. It is easily accessed at the www.warsaw.in.gov home page. Just select the “Parks and Recreation” button. Providing a wealth of information, it is a handy resource that will ensure you don't miss a thing!
Enjoy the summer … you deserve it!
The beaches are open and staffed with lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. so the kids can enjoy a cool dunk in the lake!
Let’s look at some of the new programs and facilities being offered by the Warsaw Parks Department that we hope will continue to improve your park experience.
You may have noticed that the Warsaw Parks Department offices recently relocated to a beautiful, brand-new building at the corner of Indiana and Fort Wayne Streets. The large vertical block letter “PARKS” sign on the side of the building makes it hard to miss! The building was officially opened two weeks ago with a ribbon-cutting and open house. It is the new home of the Warsaw Parks and Recreation offices and our first-class maintenance department. We are quite proud of this new facility. Creating a welcoming gateway into Central Park, it is a true reflection of the pride our community takes in its parks!
As described in an earlier column, the much-anticipated Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion renovation will enhance the utilization of this treasured historic community building. The new lakefront recreational trail is expected to be completed in early fall. With that will come expanded handicapped access to waterfront activities, including new paddleboard rental kiosks, similar to the kayak kiosks that were installed last year. The trail will connect all of the lakefront amenities from the Buffalo Street Plaza all the way up to the DNR boat launch.
Several new recreational programs are already proving to be popular. Mantis Skate Park has expanded their course with the addition of three new obstacles. This summer, bicycles will be allowed on the course during certain hours.
Last fall, four new pickle ball courts and two newly resurfaced tennis courts were opened in Bixler Park. Pickleball clinics are now being offered to help those who are new to the sport to develop their skills in a less competitive environment. Opened in 2019, the Kelly Park pickleball courts remain very popular amongst those more competitive players.
After a few years off, our lineup of children’s programming is once again offering “Stories in the Park.” A collaboration with the Warsaw Community Public Library, this popular program attracted several hundred participants at our first session last week.
Also, our long-running “Touch a Truck” program will be back again later this summer at Lucerne Park. The sledding hill at Kelly Park will host two separate “Slip and Slide Luau’s.” Movie nights will rotate to Kelly, Lucerne and Central Parks. Don't forget the beautiful Central Park Gardens and Biblical Gardens, if you have time for a peaceful stroll.
Finally, the Summer Concert Series has become one of our most popular programs. It features a different musical genre every Friday evening. From Big Band to Elvis, be sure to check the location of each week’s concert. We can’t decide where we like it best, so we move it between the Central Park Plaza and the Lucerne Park Amphitheater.
Please consult the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department 2023 Recreation Guide for all of the details. It is easily accessed at the www.warsaw.in.gov home page. Just select the “Parks and Recreation” button. Providing a wealth of information, it is a handy resource that will ensure you don't miss a thing!
Enjoy the summer … you deserve it!
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