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WINONA LAKE – Community members gave suggestions Monday of what they would like to see added or upgraded at Bibler Park during an open house.
Holly Hummitch, Winona Lake park director, said the open house was the beginning point to get any upgrades started.
Bibler Park is located on the shores of Lake John. This park features approximately 1 acre of land featuring a playground, pond, covered shelter and charcoal grill, according to the Winona Lake Parks and Recreation website.
Hummitch said the original playset at the park was installed in 1997. Board member Chad James said park equipment has improved since the 1990s.
The park department plans to continue to take feedback and come up with a timeline of upgrading Bibler Park and “work through what needs addressed and go from there.” Safety is her top concern, Hummitch said.
During the open house, people were able to provide feedback either by audibly doing so or by filling out cards. Some of the suggestions included lighting, a fishing pier, baby swings, an enclosed toddler area and park hours being posted.
Suggestions will be taken to the Winona Lake Park Board and discussed.
Hummitch said they are hoping to get something in the works by the end of the year, but funding is key.
She said they hope to get a matching grant for playground equipment.
“That would be the goal because that’s how we started the Limitless Park completion project was through a matching grant ... That’s how we did our first play structure, so I would like to take advantage for that grant as well,” she said.
The matching grant Hummitch is looking at is through GameTime and the application opens later this year.
She said upgrading Bibler Park has been on the park department’s radar for a long time, but they wanted to get Limitless Park completed first and there’s one more component of that project left.
“And it’s time, it’s past time,” she said.
The park department will continue to take feedback for a while. People can email any suggestions to parkdept@winonalake.in.gov or go into the park department office or to a parks board meeting.
James said they hope to continue to accumulate ideas and see what is feasible and what the park department can get for their money.
Shari Skaggs said her parents, William “Bill” and Marilyn “Jean” Bibler, donated the land for the park.
All of her kids used Bibler Park when it opened up and she’s excited to have her grandchildren have a new place to play, she said. She thinks her parents would be proud to see how the area has improved with the trailhead and other opportunities for the community.
Upgrading the park will attract more people to the area, Skaggs stated.
