An update on the lighting at Fribley Field and requests to use the park for events were heard Tuesday evening by the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department.

Carl Sowers, Young Tigers Football, presented information to the board regarding the cost of lights, electricity and a request to postpone any action on the installation of lights for several years.

Sowers noted the City/County Athletic Complex has four poles available the league can purchase at a cost of $30,000. The existing lights would be replaced with LED lights at a cost of $16,000. It was noted this would not require a three-phase system installation and could be connected to the existing service at the park. It’s estimated the cost to operate the lights would be near $100.

Sowers requested the organization be given until September 2017 to seek financial support to make the necessary purchases and obtain the appropriate permits. The board had no problems with the request.

During other matters, a request to host a balloon release in honor of Ava Grace Sizemore’s first birthday on June 6, was heard and tabled until further details could be presented. Sizemore died at the age of 7 months after being diagnosed with severe combined immune deficiency.

Danielle Brown stated the event would include release of balloons from the park as well as a fund-raiser with a raffle to raise money for the family.

Board members expressed concern on environmental friendly balloons and strings, protecting the wildlife in the area. It was noted there are biodegradable balloons and strings available, which Brown was happy to look into.

Approval was also given to the Center for Lakes and Streams, Grace College, to host the annual Lakes Festival at Center Lake. The 2015 Lakes Festival will be held June 5-20 and include events during First Friday, June 5, events at Winona Lake Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, at Center Lake.

Larry Plummer, park superintendent announced donations continue coming in to sponsor the concert in the park series with the more entertainment to be approved at the Friday, March 20, Warsaw Board of Works.

The next meeting of the board will be at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Fireman’s Building, 1013 E. Arthur St. Warsaw.