Pictured holding shovels in front, from left, are DeAnna Muraski, Warsaw Rotary president; Lisa Waterman, governor of Rotary District 6540; Chad Miner, Warsaw Rotary president-elect; and Michael Powell, assistant governor of Rotary District 6540.

WARSAW — A groundbreaking for the new Warsaw Rotary Park was held today, Sept. 29. The park is located at the corner of West Center and West Market streets.

“It’s all your work that has made this possible,” said Lisa Waterman, governor of Rotary District 6540. “The Warsaw community is better because of everything you’re doing … The Warsaw community is absolutely blessed.”

DeAnna Muraski, Warsaw Rotary president explained that the project has been a dream of the club for many years. Many club members and donors have come together to start the project. “We really just want to beautify this area of the community. We can make a difference here.”

When finished, the park will serve Warsaw’s west side with vehicle and bicycle parking, green space, a bicycle repair station, a covered pavilion and rock climbing boulders.

Construction on the project will be completed in different phases. Construction will start this fall with leveling of the area. In the spring, the first major phase of the project will begin with the pavilion being constructed. The second phase will introduce potential rock climbing equipment and will be completed as funds become available.

The project is a partnership between the Warsaw Rotary Club and the city of Warsaw.

Warsaw Rotary has committed to raising at least $30,000 for the project.  So far, they have donated $25,179 toward the project.  An ongoing fundraiser allows individuals to purchase pavers to honor loved ones or veterans.  The pavers will be used in the park.  Individuals interested in purchasing a paver can visit https://polarengraving.com/WarsawrotaryClub.

Members of the Warsaw Rotary Club along with representatives of the rotary district were present for the groundbreaking.