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"It's the biggest community-backed project I've ever been involved in," said parks director Larry Plummer Jr. at the Warsaw Parks and Recreation board meeting Tuesday. He presented a list of 80 individuals and companies who donated money or material to the Young Tiger football field under development at Dubois-Richardson Park.
Plummer said the cool weather has been perfect for the sod to become established and goal posts should arrive in a week or two.
A "dedication game" will be played on the field this year, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 17. The area will officially be named Fribley Field, after the late Lance Cpl. David Fribley, who was killed last year in Iraq.
Parks superintendent Jon Garber updated the board regarding the possible relocation of Baker Youth Club. Currently sharing space with the Kosciusko County Boys and Girls Club and the Senior Services Center in the Pete Thorn Building, BYC has applied for a grant to build their own facility.
A move to Boggs Industrial Park has been suggested, however, the only land available is in a flood plain and the grant specifically excludes building in such an area.
Garber said the possibility of moving the skate park to the available land and allowing BYC to build on the skate park property had been discussed.
"I don't think it's the best site," Garber said of the skate park location for BYC. "There's no room to expand." He added that it would cost at least $83,083 to relocate the skate park.
There are plans to resurface the skate park, and Garber said a 6-inch concrete pad will cost $43,000, not $35,000 for a 5-inch-thick base as indicated in the 2005 budget.
The board also:
• Heard the 2005 budget may be cut and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins asked that a spending "freeze" be put on the 2004 allowances.
Garber said Wayne Township is cutting its appropriation to the parks department by 25 percent.
• Heard the basketball courts at Boggs Park have been re-surfaced but there are still a couple of low places where water stands. The court should be striped and sealed within 30 days.
• Approved the use of a "new" logo for the new signage. The artwork was used during a City of Lakes festival - three panels representing music, recreation and the lakes.
Park board members are Bill Baldwin, Toby Sumpter Cathy Folk. Jeff Grose is the city council representative. John Sadler and Bob Richmond were absent.
