Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The city of Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board heard updates about the skate park and Arbor Day with AkzoNobel during a meeting Tuesday.
Superintendent of Parks Larry Plummer spoke about how the skate park is coming along. He stated that they have been working with engineering and design staff with American Ramp Company on the position of the skate park.
“Based on the geo-technical testing we did, we determined the soils on the north end of the site offer greater stability,” said Plummer. “We’re not going to change anything, we’re just going to flip the design to put the bowl, which is the heaviest part of the design, on the more stable soil.”
They will be installing a geogrid reinforcement, “which will require them excavating 12 inches of soil, putting the geo-technical grid down and putting down 12 inches of base 53 stone on top.”
Board Vice President Michelle Boxell asked if that would help to stabilize the project, which Plummer noted that it would.
Plummer also spoke with Liz Frazier’s sister and stated they received her approval and they are “good to move forward."
Board President Larry Ladd asked if the basketball courts at the old skate park are the park's responsibility and if they would stay when the skate park moves, to which Plummer answered that yes, they have been the department’s responsibility since the 1980s and will stay behind.
Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner worked with AkzoNobel for the Arbor Day tree-planting. He stated they planted two maple trees. He thanked AkzoNobel for their continued support and continued partnership.
“It was a very rainy, stormy day when we did it,” said Gardner. “It was the quickest tree planting that we may have ever done. However, we are very thankful to partner with them … it’s been four or five years they’ve provided the trees.”
In other business, the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club asked for the use of the Beyer Park shelter area on June 26-27 for their Summerfield Day activities. In a letter from Matthew Carter, the event “focuses on amateur radio operations, public outreach, emergency communications awareness and community engagement.” The letter stated that in return, “the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club would … be honored to volunteer our services during Family Fun Night this year.”
Bryon Wells, with the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club, thanked the Parks and Recreation Board for allowing them to use the park last year and wanted to extend their volunteer efforts to the board for not only the Family Fun Night, but whenever they need it because of the good working relationship they have. This was approved.
“I also want to give our condolences on the passing of Greg Shafer. He was an important part of this and was a great guy,” Plummer said.
Reports
Gardner reported that all the flowers have been planted in the downtown beds and the park beds; however, there is still some mulching that needs done. He reported that sand has been hauled to the beaches since the lake levels have gone down, buoyees have gone in at Pike Lake and their carpenter has been working at the Warsaw Police Department with putting up and tearing down cabinets.
“Our maintenance staff is working hard in preparation for Memorial Day weekend … and they’re doing a great job,” said Gardner.
Recreation Director Stephanie Schaefer reported that the summer concert series is officially launching this Friday, May 22, and will run through Aug. 14. She also reported the following items:
• Past recent events included Superhero Academy on April 17; mother/son dance on May 1; and a porch sign-making class on May 15.
• They broke the record of attendees for Imagination Station that happened Tuesday, May 19, by having 71 participants.
• On May 30, they will be hosting a kids' fishing derby.
• They will host five paddle boarding and canoeing dates; four library story dates; and three dates for Wipeout.
• On June 8, a family Nerf Day will take place.
• June 19 will be the rock concert with Great White.
Board Member Jill Beehler stated the ads they have seen have been great and for the recreation department to keep up the good work.
April Team Member of the Month is George Music. Plummer noted that he is shy, “but in the picture, I got him to smile.” Music was reported to be a great team member who is always willing to give a hand, teach younger staff members and serves the department well.
Ladd asked if there were any current plans for the old park office that used to be on Center Lake, to which Mayor Jeff Grose noted there are no current plans for it.
The next meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 16.
