Pictured, front: Warsaw Parks Department President Steve Haines; back row, Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner, Superintendent Larry Plummer and Recreation Director Sheila Wieringa.

WARSAW —  At the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department meeting held Tuesday, March 21, Patrick Brown of SiteScapes Inc., Mishawaka, informed board members that the 5-year master plan has been completed. Brown stated that the DNR only had one issue with the plan, which was a request for additional demographic information. Brown advised that this information has been included in the plan to meet the DNR request. Brown praised Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer and staff for the great job they have done. Board members agreed to accept the plan and signed the necessary documents.

Jan Orban from Warsaw Community Tennis Association attended the meeting to request approval to continue the six week summer tennis program. The annual tennis program is a collaboration between Warsaw Parks Department, Warsaw Community Schools and Warsaw Tennis Association. A motion was made to approve the summer tennis program agreement and the motion was approved.

Plummer advised board members that he had been contacted by Stacie Light, Warsaw Community School assistant director of food services. Light requested that the parks department renew the agreement for the free summer lunch program at Bixler Park, 503 N. Detroit Street, Warsaw. This has been done for the past 11 summers. The lunches are served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Last year they served between 100-150 lunches per day. In the month of June alone they served 2,637 meals in 19 days.

Plummer stated that he feels it is a need for the community and, “It’s great that we can have this in the park and have this available for people who may not be fortunate enough to have a meal.”  He said they have had no problems with trash or pick up issues related to this event. Sheila Wieringa, Warsaw Parks recreation director, added that it should work out even better this summer with the addition of the new shelter at Bixler Park. Plummer stated people do not need to register for this event. The kids can just show up and get a free lunch. Adults may also purchase a lunch for a minimal fee. Board members agreed to approve continuing the free summer lunch program.

Other news:

• Plummer informed board members that the new tractor for the parks department has been ordered and should be arriving soon. The tractor is smaller than the tractor they have currently, but it is 4-wheel drive and has turf tires. Plummer stated it can be used to pull their surf rake.
• Willie 103.5 requested approval for Willie chili dog days. The annual free chili dog lunches will be offered at Central Park, Warsaw, pending date availability, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16 and Sept. 20. Board members approved this request.
• Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department is still investigating the possibility of having food trucks at Central Park, Warsaw, during lunch hours on Mondays.
• Plummer informed board members that some of their Central Park banners are developing tears on the sides. Big Picture Imagery, Warsaw, was contacted and they are redoing the banners, using a different material, at no charge. Plummer said he will pick the banners up Monday. Board members agreed that they appreciate the fact that Big Picture Imagery is standing behind their product.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 at 800 N. Park Avenue, Warsaw.

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  Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner and Superintendent Larry Plummer.

  

  Lucerne Park sign