Eagle with Stars and Stripes
Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854

Parks Dept. May Purchase Building For Activities

Posted

Warsaw Parks Department is looking into purchasing a facility that will better serve those who participate in its activities and programs.

Park Superintendent Jon Garber and Activities Director Janelle Wilson discussed their request at Monday's city council meeting to purchase a building at 420 Little League Drive.

The city council approved the request for the parks department to look into an appraisal for the property.

The building is the former Fraternal Order of Police building in Boggs Industrial Park and is up for sale for $90,000, Wilson said.

It is currently owned by J.P. Green who is looking to sell the facility after the first of the year, according to Wilson.

The 2,400-square-foot facility is adjacent to Mantis Skate Park within Boggs Industrial Park.

The facility is carpeted and has restroom facilities, according to Wilson.

"We are looking for a dedicated facility to hold programs we are expanding for the community," Wilson said.

Wilson said the facility will compliment the Baker Youth Clubs and also serve special activities that are held at Mantis Park such as birthday parties, small group skate park rentals and meeting spaces for cake-decorating and flower-arranging classes.

Wilson also said the facility could house toddler programs and fine arts programs offered in the summer.

Garber said the department had not budgeted purchasing the building in its 2007 budget and an appraisal of the property will need to be conducted.

He said two licensed appraisers will need to appraise the property and the appraisal will need to be submitted to the city council for approval.

Mayor Ernie Wiggins said the Cumulative Capital Development Fund could possibly pay for the project and recommended the department check qualifications for the building appraisal.