From left, Parks & Recreation Board Vice-President Larry Ladd, Council Representative Diane Quance, Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner and Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer.

WARSAW — Dugan Julian, event coordinator at Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, Winona Lake, attended the monthly Warsaw Parks and Recreation board meeting Tuesday, April 18, to give information regarding this year’s Lakes Festival event.

Julian stated that the Lakes Festival has been moved to Memorial Day weekend this year. This is approximately two and a half weeks earlier than last year. The festival is held at Center Lake in Warsaw. Last year about six thousand people attended the event. Julian said they are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. Julian gave a brief overview of the planned events, which will include two concerts, several food vendors, a lumberjack show, fireworks, a canoe tug-of-war and a rain barrel workshop. On Sunday there will be a Memorial Day ceremony, live animal shows and a kayak race. According to Julian, they have more food vendors than ever scheduled for this year.

Steve Haines, Warsaw Parks and Recreation board president, was not in attendance at the meeting. Vice-President Larry Ladd presided over the meeting.

Larry Plummer, Warsaw Parks superintendent, stated that when the Pike Lake Campground manager needs to be off for any reason, the campground is left unmanaged. The campground is located at 1011 E Arthur St., Warsaw. Plummer suggested the hiring of a campground “host” to fill in when the campground manager is gone. Plummer presented a waiver and release agreement for board members to look over. Plummer said this would be beneficial in a lot of ways, as it would allow the campground manager some flexibility in his schedule and would add another set of eyes to assist in overseeing things at the campground. Board members unanimously approved the terms of the campground host waiver and release agreement.

Plummer announced that they received a letter from the DNR stating that all DNR requirements have been met for the 5-year master plan. The Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department is now eligible to apply for land and water conservation grants if needed.

Sheila Wieringa, activities director, reported that 23 children from 16 families showed up for the first Brushes & Bunnies event. Children were given canvases, stencils and paint to create their own artwork. Wieringa stated the event was a big hit and they plan to have this event again in the future.

Mantis Skate Park opening day is this Saturday, April 22, from noon to 8 p.m. The event will include food and prizes. The park is located at 420 Little League Drive, Boggs Industrial Park, Warsaw.

Shaun Gardner, maintenance director, reported that they are officially in the full swing of spring. Piers have been put in the lakes, the campground is open and they will be planting flowers downtown the first week of May.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 16.
• The tractor that was ordered for the Parks Department arrived this week.