Parks Board Gives Nod To Investigate New Skate And Dog Parks
April 21, 2025 at 10:35 p.m.
Green lights were given to proceed with relocating the skate park and create a dog park by members of the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board Monday.
Larry Plummer, Warsaw Parks Department superintendent, will look into grants and funding to relocate the skate park from Bogg's Park to the west end of Richardson Dubois Park. The new location would provide a central, accessible venue for the community and serve a greater number of residents and visitors.
“It would be servicing several neighborhoods, the trail system is nearby,” he stated, yet cautioning the board he doesn't “know where the money will come from (as it is not in the budget),” but he will look into grants and other sources. The price tag is estimated at $465,000.
A dog park, at the south section of Krebs Trailhead Park, would rely on the Warsaw Rotary Club coming up with the funding. Such a project is not in the parks department budget. The dog park idea was spearheaded by the Rotary Club, who is interested in making the project a reality.
The Skate Park
Plummer stated it was in 2019 the department developed a plan to relocate the skate park, but it was unsuccessful in obtaining the grants to fund the project.
Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board gave the go ahead for Larry Plummer, superintendent, to investigate funding for a new skate park at the west end of Richardson Dubois Park. Rendering by American Ramp Company
Plummer put the idea back on the table to see if the board was still interested in pursuing the relocation. He noted the current ramps were obtained in 2005 through a K21 Health Foundation grant. Ramps have been rebuilt several times and require extensive maintenance. Also, the park requires an employee presence during operational hours.
The proposed park would be designed entirely in concrete, offer low-maintenance, be fenced with a turnstile entry system and security cameras. This would allow access regulation to ensure safety and upkeep and, during special skate events, it would also provide enhanced control over activities. The park would also be accessible during park hours to the community without the need for dedicated staffing.
“The new location at Richardson Dubois Park would provide a more central, accessible venue for the community, serving a greater number of residents and visitors,” Plummer stated.
Board member Jill Beehler questioned what would happen to the existing park, which Plummer stated it could be turned into a pickleball court as it's not in a residential area, and/or playground area.
The proposal included the possibility of splitting the project into two phases for financial feasibility. Phase one would include railing, ramps, steps and cement slap. Phase two would incorporate a skate bowl. The bowl would have drainage to eliminate ponding of water.
The Dog Park
Plummer said Seth Bradford, Warsaw Rotary president, recently approached him about a potential location for a dog park as the club was interested in identifying a site to raise funds and make the project a reality. Following a discussion with parks department staff, the south portion of Krebs Trailhead Park would be just the location.
The park would be south of the restroom, shelter and bike station area. The Krebs family has given their approval for the project as long as the park's name is not changed.
During Plummer's presentation, he stated it was agreed with Bradford and three other Rotary board members, that the park would only proceed once the Rotary Club secures all necessary funds and would be done in two phases.
The first phase would include a 6-foot-high black chain-link fence, a key fob access with users required to visit the park office to obtain a fob, designated sections for small and large dogs, drinking fountains, waste bag dispensers for cleanup and benches. There would be a security camera system to monitor activity at the park. There would be a small yearly fee for the key fobs and users would need to provide immunization records and sign a waiver.
The second phase could involve dog play structures and other amenities within the park.
During discussion, Plummer noted it is felt that if the park is opened up and free it would promote bad behavior from the users. By charging a fee, it is felt the users would be more responsible.
Parking was questioned, with Plummer noting there is parking available on the north and east side of the park, but it is believed a lot of the users will be those from the neighborhood and those who use the trails.
Larry Ladd, board vice president, commented, “We've talked about a dog park for years,” with Steve Haines, board president, stating the location made sense as it is away from the beaches.
New Playground Equipment
New playground equipment at Kiddieland in Central Park was approved by the board, replacing the 25-year-old equipment. The two new structures will include an inclusive wheel and a challenge structure. This replacement project is part of the department's masterplan and will cost $55,486.71. All installation will be done by park staff.
Plummer said the Kiddieland is next to the Center Lake Recreation Trail so it will be easily accessible by those using the trail.
A diagram of the proposed dog park layout at Kkrebs Trailhead Park was presented to the Warsaw Parks & Recreation Board. The project and funding will be a community service project of Warsaw Rotary Club. Rendering Provided by Warsaw Parks and Recreation DepartmentDuring other business, Shaun Gardner, maintenance director, reported restrooms are all open for the season, waterlines turned on, the campground facility is open and filling up quickly, tables and fire rings have been placed at the campsites. The staff has completed the metal roofing of Cabin 3 and all materials are on hand to complete the roof on Cabin 4, which will come in the near future.
Gardner also noted the picnic tables have been spread around the parks and all shelters are ready for use. The maintenance crew has also spread sand at both beaches.
“It's good to see the campground open,” said Haines. “It makes it feel like summer.”
Lynnae Miller, assistant recreation director, provided a report on the recent spring break programs, which had 77 total participants, and a recap of the egg hunt last week. She said there were 20 eggs placed at each park with one golden egg at each location. All eggs were found in the first three days. She expressed gratitude to the local restaurants and businesses who participated in providing prizes.
Miller announced several upcoming events, which can be found on the department's website.
Team member of the Month for March winner, Maintenance Laborer Chris Holsclaw (L) is shown with Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer (R). Photo Provided
Green lights were given to proceed with relocating the skate park and create a dog park by members of the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board Monday.
Larry Plummer, Warsaw Parks Department superintendent, will look into grants and funding to relocate the skate park from Bogg's Park to the west end of Richardson Dubois Park. The new location would provide a central, accessible venue for the community and serve a greater number of residents and visitors.
“It would be servicing several neighborhoods, the trail system is nearby,” he stated, yet cautioning the board he doesn't “know where the money will come from (as it is not in the budget),” but he will look into grants and other sources. The price tag is estimated at $465,000.
A dog park, at the south section of Krebs Trailhead Park, would rely on the Warsaw Rotary Club coming up with the funding. Such a project is not in the parks department budget. The dog park idea was spearheaded by the Rotary Club, who is interested in making the project a reality.
The Skate Park
Plummer stated it was in 2019 the department developed a plan to relocate the skate park, but it was unsuccessful in obtaining the grants to fund the project.
Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board gave the go ahead for Larry Plummer, superintendent, to investigate funding for a new skate park at the west end of Richardson Dubois Park. Rendering by American Ramp Company
Plummer put the idea back on the table to see if the board was still interested in pursuing the relocation. He noted the current ramps were obtained in 2005 through a K21 Health Foundation grant. Ramps have been rebuilt several times and require extensive maintenance. Also, the park requires an employee presence during operational hours.
The proposed park would be designed entirely in concrete, offer low-maintenance, be fenced with a turnstile entry system and security cameras. This would allow access regulation to ensure safety and upkeep and, during special skate events, it would also provide enhanced control over activities. The park would also be accessible during park hours to the community without the need for dedicated staffing.
“The new location at Richardson Dubois Park would provide a more central, accessible venue for the community, serving a greater number of residents and visitors,” Plummer stated.
Board member Jill Beehler questioned what would happen to the existing park, which Plummer stated it could be turned into a pickleball court as it's not in a residential area, and/or playground area.
The proposal included the possibility of splitting the project into two phases for financial feasibility. Phase one would include railing, ramps, steps and cement slap. Phase two would incorporate a skate bowl. The bowl would have drainage to eliminate ponding of water.
The Dog Park
Plummer said Seth Bradford, Warsaw Rotary president, recently approached him about a potential location for a dog park as the club was interested in identifying a site to raise funds and make the project a reality. Following a discussion with parks department staff, the south portion of Krebs Trailhead Park would be just the location.
The park would be south of the restroom, shelter and bike station area. The Krebs family has given their approval for the project as long as the park's name is not changed.
During Plummer's presentation, he stated it was agreed with Bradford and three other Rotary board members, that the park would only proceed once the Rotary Club secures all necessary funds and would be done in two phases.
The first phase would include a 6-foot-high black chain-link fence, a key fob access with users required to visit the park office to obtain a fob, designated sections for small and large dogs, drinking fountains, waste bag dispensers for cleanup and benches. There would be a security camera system to monitor activity at the park. There would be a small yearly fee for the key fobs and users would need to provide immunization records and sign a waiver.
The second phase could involve dog play structures and other amenities within the park.
During discussion, Plummer noted it is felt that if the park is opened up and free it would promote bad behavior from the users. By charging a fee, it is felt the users would be more responsible.
Parking was questioned, with Plummer noting there is parking available on the north and east side of the park, but it is believed a lot of the users will be those from the neighborhood and those who use the trails.
Larry Ladd, board vice president, commented, “We've talked about a dog park for years,” with Steve Haines, board president, stating the location made sense as it is away from the beaches.
New Playground Equipment
New playground equipment at Kiddieland in Central Park was approved by the board, replacing the 25-year-old equipment. The two new structures will include an inclusive wheel and a challenge structure. This replacement project is part of the department's masterplan and will cost $55,486.71. All installation will be done by park staff.
Plummer said the Kiddieland is next to the Center Lake Recreation Trail so it will be easily accessible by those using the trail.
A diagram of the proposed dog park layout at Kkrebs Trailhead Park was presented to the Warsaw Parks & Recreation Board. The project and funding will be a community service project of Warsaw Rotary Club. Rendering Provided by Warsaw Parks and Recreation DepartmentDuring other business, Shaun Gardner, maintenance director, reported restrooms are all open for the season, waterlines turned on, the campground facility is open and filling up quickly, tables and fire rings have been placed at the campsites. The staff has completed the metal roofing of Cabin 3 and all materials are on hand to complete the roof on Cabin 4, which will come in the near future.
Gardner also noted the picnic tables have been spread around the parks and all shelters are ready for use. The maintenance crew has also spread sand at both beaches.
“It's good to see the campground open,” said Haines. “It makes it feel like summer.”
Lynnae Miller, assistant recreation director, provided a report on the recent spring break programs, which had 77 total participants, and a recap of the egg hunt last week. She said there were 20 eggs placed at each park with one golden egg at each location. All eggs were found in the first three days. She expressed gratitude to the local restaurants and businesses who participated in providing prizes.
Miller announced several upcoming events, which can be found on the department's website.
Team member of the Month for March winner, Maintenance Laborer Chris Holsclaw (L) is shown with Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer (R). Photo Provided