Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Parks Board heard nothing but praise Tuesday from Relay For Life Community Development Director Kristen Everett and Relay For Life Chairman Mary Ann Swoverland.
The event was held May 2 and 3 at Central Park and in the pavilion.
"It was a beautiful change," Swoverland said of the move from the fairgrounds. A proposal for next year reserving the park and pavilion for May 21 and 22 was presented.
The group asked to use the grounds and facilities in exchange for naming the parks as a $5,000-level sponsor again. This year they paid $1,000 plus pavilion rental to rent the grounds.
Board member Cathy Folk said she didn't want to set a precedent, allowing use of the facilities for free for this nonprofit organization when others are charged rental fees.
Also, superintendent Jon Garber said Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Police Chief Steve Foster are aware of the problems with a "rough crowd" at Center Park.
Two bike patrolmen have been hired and "things are in the works" to have a policeman on duty at the park this summer.
"We have to let them know we're serious about the problem," board member Bill Baldwin said.
Garber said he met with Jim Thompson of Kelainey's Ice Cream regarding the concession stand contract at Center Park and Pike Lake. One of the complaints Thompson made was about his employees feeling threatened by some of the young men who hang around the pavilion concession stands.
Thompson also asked that the expected hours of operation be reduced from noon to 5 p.m., days of operation be from May 31 to Aug 17 (79 days as opposed to 112) and the rental fee be reduced.
The board approved the reductions, asking that the Pike Lake concession stand be open Labor Day weekend and Thompson pay $300 instead of $600 for the contract.
In other business, the board:
• Agreed to pay the Warsaw Tennis Association $25 per participant, up to $5,000, for the summer program. The donation has occurred for several years. The classes began on the park's three tennis courts a few years ago and, as the program grew, have moved to the 10 Warsaw Community High School courts.
• Was reminded the kids' fishing derby is June 7 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Center Lake. Registration is at Municipal Park. Age groups are under 4 -years old; 5- to 8-year-olds; 9- to 12-year-olds; and 13- to 16-year-olds.
• Received a signed lease for the Pete Thorn Youth Center.
Board members are Bill Baldwin, John Sadler, Toby Sumpter, Cathy Folk and Bob Richmond.
