Due to the current Storm Water project, Warsaw Parks Department was able to obtain free fill dirt, giving them the opportunity to begin a long-term goal of placing a sledding hill at Kelly Park in Warsaw.

WARSAW — The initial steps of a long-term goal regarding renovations at Kelly Park, 130 Fawley Street, Warsaw, are being implemented.

While preparing the 5-year master plan draft, Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department members discussed ideas for transforming Kelly Park into a second community park, with a focus on family activities.

Warsaw Parks Department is hoping to make changes and improvements at Kelly Park in an attempt to better serve the south side of the city as well as relieve some of the congestion at Central Park.

The idea of a sledding hill came up through discussions about winter activities during the 5-year master plan sessions.

Due to the local stormwater basin project, Warsaw Parks Department has been able to acquire a large amount of free fill dirt, giving them the opportunity to begin work on the sledding hill much sooner than expected.

According to Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer, he was approached by James Emans from the Warsaw Planning Department. Emans informed Plummer of an opportunity to obtain free dirt, enabling them to start on that phase of the Kelly Park project.

Plummer said after meeting with Emans and G&G Hauling and Excavating, it was determined that a collaborative effort would benefit all parties involved. Dirt from the stormwater project is being hauled to Kelly Park, with G&G excavating the site. Plummer advised that the amount of dirt currently available will elevate and supply about 70 percent of the area that will serve as a sledding hill and as well as a seating area for future programs. When dirt is available from further projects, G&G and the Parks Department will work together to finish the hill.

The sledding hill is not expected to be completed this year.

“We are trying to bring new and exciting opportunities to the neighborhood and public with this concept plan,” said Plummer, “This plan is a guide for what we would like to see Kelly Park develop into.”