Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Corporate and private contributions for park concerts and programs are being promised at record levels, according to Janelle Wilson, Warsaw Parks Department activity director.
Wilson advised the parks board about the sponsorships and donations during their meeting Tuesday.
Year-to-date donations, $41,860, already exceed 2002 total sponsorships of $32,626, with several contributors offering funds for the first time.
Last year the "Sponsorship Guide 2003" booklet was distributed to possible contributors listing programs and different sponsorship levels. Packed with information, Wilson said the guide probably made a real difference.
She said this summer's Classic Rock Concert will feature Mark Farner, the voice of Grand Funk Railroad.
The board also approved an agreement with the Kosciusko County YMCA to operate "Camp Little Eagle" at Lucerne Park again this summer.
Parks superintendent Jon Garber said the camp began as way to introduce programs to the parks.
The parks department pays $5,000 toward the camp and donates use of the buildings. In exchange, the YMCA is to provide personnel during the annual Family Carnival held in Central Park.
Last month, board members expressed concern the exchange wasn't quite equal, that three people showed up to assist at the carnival, working about two hours each.
The board decided to ask the Y for a breakdown of camp costs.
Tom Garland, YMCA executive director, and John Hoover, program (and camp) director, presented income and expense figures showing an average of 69 children attend the week-long camp.
A total of 757 kids were served last year, according to the information provided.
Income was given as $43,663 and expenditures (staffing, taxes and supplies) were $43,356.
"The camp opens the day after school and lasts until the day before school," Garland said. "It starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. everyday."
Costs are $75 per week, however, Garland said, many parents receive stipends from the federal child care voucher system, United Way and the Y's Back-A-Youth program to send their children to the day camp. Those "scholarships" are not counted as YMCA income.
"We don't turn anyone away," Garland said.
The Y director also said there will be no lack of help during the Family Carnival this year.
Park board members are Bill Baldwin, Cathy Folk and Bob Richmond. Jon Sadler and Toby Chapman were absent. Jeff Grose, appointed by the city council, is a nonvoting member.
