Present at the Kiwanis Memorial Garden dedication were, in front from left, Larry Peppel, Ashley Bruner, Elaine Reed, Joni Truex, Katy Berger, Leslie Andrews, Fran Kelsey, Adam Clemens and Howard Woodward. In back are Larry Plummer, Bruce Andrews, Keith Cook, Dennis Broderick, Jim McDonald, Laurie Schotz, John Fruth, Shaun Gardner, Bill Welch, Scott Welch, Scott Fox, Renea Salyer and Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — With fall temperatures more like winter, Kiwanis members and local official gathered at Kiwanis Park, Warsaw, Thursday morning, Oct. 29, to dedicate a new memorial garden.

According to Renea Salyer, the concept for the garden changed several times before the final piece was in place. Initially, it was going to be a playground in memory of lost children. Later, the idea changed to a memorial garden. Its purpose also grew to encompass all lost loved ones, not just children.

The layout includes raised flowerbeds forming the letter “K.” Along one side stands an angel statue. While not much can grow there this time of year as far as flowers, the spot will be much more colorful next summer.

Mayor Joe Thallemer attended the event and gave a few words before the chilled crowd dispersed.

“We really appreciate the continued effort and improvement,” he said. “It’s an example of a private partnership that really works well for the community.”