WARSAW — It was a short, yet productive, meeting Tuesday evening Dec. 15, for the Warsaw Park Board.

Approval was given to sign another year’s lease with the Kosciusko County Council on the Aging and Aged for use of the Pete Thorn Center at Lucerne Park. The yearly lease is $1,053 per month. Wayne Township also provides $26,000 a year toward KCCAA’s use of the facility.

David Neff, executive director of the KCCAA, presented a short overview of three programs offered to county seniors. These programs included the delivery of over 100 mobile meals daily, provision of van transportation to medical appointments and creation of recreational activities at the senior activity center. The center serves daily meals through REAL Services. Neff stated for $5 a year, seniors can participate in a variety of activities.

Gift Certificates Approved

Sheila Wieringa, recreation director, received approval to offer gift certificates for park department programs and activities. The certificates, which must be used within the year of purchase, are available in any amount and toward any program or activity. “There is no cash value,” she stated. The certificates can also be used for a partial payment for an activity.

In addition, Wieringa presented the activities report. She stated for Light Up The Night, Dec. 4, 500 glow necklaces were handed out in the first 15 minutes of the event. She estimated up to 2,000 people participated along with elementary choirs from Eisenhower, Jefferson and Leesburg schools. There were 600 participants at the Christmas Countdown event, Dec. 11. Goody bags were distributed to 280 kids who enjoyed cookies, reindeer games and made cards for soldiers. Those cards, she stated, were mailed out Tuesday.

Wieringa noted 2016 sponsorships are starting to come in with $6,000 already received. “We’re off to a good start,” she said.

Shaun Gardner, maintenance, reported light preparation for the Central Park Holiday Light Display began mid-October, with all lights hung by Thanksgiving. He noted new displays were purchased, through a donation from the 2014 Young Tigers concession stand. Among the new displays are two toy soldiers, two LED displays and Santa in a tractor throwing toys in a wagon.

Earlier in the meeting, Larry Plummer, superintendent, introduced Wieringa and Heather Frazer, new administrative assistant, to the board. Wieringa had been the administrative assistant for four years, stepping into the recreational director’s position after the resignation of Liz McKinney. “She has enthusiasm and new ideas for programming,” Plummer stated. Frazier, he noted, came to the parks department after working with the police department for a number of years. “She fits right in and we look forward for many years to come.”

During other business Rick Packowski, board member, was appointed to the Warsaw Plan Commission as a representative of the park board.

Board member Diane Quance inquired if the greenway had the same hours of use as city parks. Plummer stated it did not follow the park rules and no city ordinance was known regarding hours. However, deer have been seen running through the greenway after dusk and users of the walkway, should use caution.