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The Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department hopes to replace the old, somewhat primitive-looking amphitheatre at Lucerne Park next year.
The proposal is one of several included in the department’s 2019 budget proposal.
The amphitheater can seat roughly 150 to 200 people. It was constructed in the mid 1980s, using old railroad posts, some of which has been deteriorating.
Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer said the seating and rails have become a safety issue.
“Our biggest concern is the safety of the structure itself. We’re having a lot of deterioration,” Plummer said.
On top of that, some of the wooden seats are uneven and none of the immediate area complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Plummer said they’d like to replace it with tiered pavers and retaining blocks much like the area that surrounds the fountain in Central Park.
Seating would encompass a half circle and the stage would be moved closer to the spectators, Plummer said.
The new layout would include handicapped access to the front and back rows and the stage. Paths will be provided to each of the three areas.
“It will be very ADA friendly,” Plummer said.
The amphitheatre is in a wooded area that overlooks Pike Lake and is a popular place for weddings, church functions and other gatherings.
Plummer said he believes the improvements will increase demand.
The budget sets aside $150,000 for the upgrade.
Plummer called it a crucial part of his budget proposal. “It’s something that really needs to be done,” he said.
Another proposal in the budget, which was unveiled at the park board meeting earlier this week, seeks to create a position to serve as assistant to the director of recreation.
Plummer said the position has been mentioned in two five-year master plans.
The new job would encompass more marketing and would seek to expand more winter recreational programming among other things, said Sheila Wieringa, recreation director.
“Our recreation programs have grown by leaps and bounds,” Plummer said. “It’s a major undertaking.”
The entire proposed park budget totals $2.59 million. Salaries and wages would total $998,000 under the proposal.
The budget also reflects a 4-percent pay hike for all employees at the request of the administration, Plummer said.
Other items being sought is a new pickup truck with a snow plow, for an estimated $44,000. That would replace a 2004 truck.
The department also would like to purchase a new leaf vacuum. It would replace one that was purchased used in 1990. Cost of a new vacuum is estimated to be about $39,000.
The department also is seeking $50,000 to construct a parking lot and improve drainage at Kelly Park near the new sledding hill.
The department’s budget request represent a 9.5 percent hike over 2018. Budget reviews by city council will begin later this summer.
“We’ve held the line on our budget since 2012, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask to do a couple special projects like this,” Plummer said.
