A survey has been created to gather information from residents concerning parks and park activities. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department is seeking input from the public concerning park-sponsored programs and activities and the quality of local parks. 

The parks department is updating its five-year park system master plan. 

A survey has been created to gather information and to offer residents the opportunity to express opinions concerning parks and park activities. 

Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer said at the parks board meeting Tuesday, April 20, that the public’s input would be instrumental in the five-year plan process.

“We need to know what the community likes and what they want in their park system and on the same token, we’d like to know what we can do better as a park system. It’s very important for everybody to participate and we just encourage everybody to take the survey and give us their opinions,” Plummer said.

Board member Noemi Ponce asked if the survey is available in Spanish.

It currently is not, but Plummer said he will work on getting that done.

Information about the survey can be found on the parks department website, Facebook page and Instagram. There are also hard copies in the parks office. For more information, contact Heather Frazier at the parks department by email at [email protected], visit the office at 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday – Friday, call (574)-372-9554 or visit https://www.warsaw.in.gov/486/Master-Plan

The survey will run through the end of May.

In another matter, at the March meeting, Plummer asked board members to review three playground equipment options for Beyer Park and be prepared to voice recommendations at the April meeting. 

The Beyer Park playground equipment will be replaced this year. 

The board unanimously chose option 3, which includes one playground structure recommended for children ages 2-5 and another structure in the playground complex recommended for children ages 5-12.

In Option 3, the equipment is currently being offered at a 40 percent discount. 

Plummer said he would be inclined to agree that option 3 will provide the most value for the price and will offer something for a wider range of age groups.

Plummer will place an order for the option 3 playground equipment.

Recreation Director Sheila Wieringa said the 2021 digital recreation guide has been finalized. There are a few copies available at the office for those who prefer a paper copy. 

The parks department is working on programming with the intention of bringing people back into the park buildings this summer. 

“The only thing we will not be having this summer are the three big concerts – the rock, country and blues,” Wieringa said. They also will not hold the Touch-A-Truck event in 2021.

“Other than that, we’re planning on business as usual,” Wieringa said. “We may have to modify things here and there, but that’s where we’re at.”

In other news: 

• Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner provided a monthly report with maintenance updates. Water has been turned on at all outdoor park facilities and the Pike Lake Campground is open. 
• The next regular meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. May 18.