Lucerne Park is located at 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw.

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Warsaw Parks & Recreation Board reviewed rates for park programs and rental facilities at a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17.

New rates will take effect Jan. 1. The following rate increases were approved:

• Center Lake Pavilion fees were raised to $200 for a weekday rental.  Weekend rental rates will remain $400.
• Fireman’s Building fees were raised to $200 for weekday rentals and $250 for weekend rentals
• Nye Youth Cabin fees will be $125 during the week and $150 during the weekend
• Lucerne Cabin rates will be $75 per day
• Lucerne Amphitheater rate was raised to $200
• Central Park Plaza rental fee was increased and will be $225
• Picnic shelters fees will be raised to $50 in all parks
• Campground wood  — the price for a wheelbarrow full of wood will be raised to $15

Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer said the Center Lake Pavilion set-up fee has been $20 “for a long time” and told board members that depending on the type of event, it can take park employees anywhere between two to four hours to set up. For large events, Plummer said it can take up to six hours. 

The option of charging by the hour was discussed. Eventually, it was agreed that there will be two types of set-ups: half and full.

Plummer suggested setting a limit at a certain number and anything under that number of tables would be considered a half set-up and anything over the agreed-upon number would be a full set-up. That specific number will be decided on later and added to the rental agreement. The set-up fees will be $50 for a half set-up and $100 for a full set-up.

Pike Lake Campground rates, which are currently $32 daily, $192 weekly, $490 monthly and $1,900 per season will be raised to $40 daily, $210 weekly, $525 monthly and $2,100 per season. This includes full service electric, water, sewer and trash pickup.

Campground dock fees will be increased to $50 monthly and $150 per season.

Board members agreed to maintain the digital marque rental fee at $20. This can only be used by people who have rented park facilities.

Warsaw Parks Department program fees were also reviewed, with a decision made to maintain program fees as proposed and raise vendor fees $5 across the board.

The annual real estate lease renewal with Kosciusko Community Senior Services, a nonprofit organization that rents building space from the Board of Parks & Recreation, was reviewed.

The current rate is $1,053 per month. Plummer said he discussed a rate increase with KCSS Executive Director David Neff and told board members that Neff said he could go up to $1,200 per month.

“It’s something that we really need in our community and I think it’s a great location for that,” said Board Member Michelle Boxell.

A lease increase to $1,200 per month was approved. 

Plummer told board members that drainage and asphalting work has been done at Hire Park. The lot will be striped in the spring. 

Plummer expressed gratitude for the Warsaw Street Department and the Warsaw Wastewater Department “for collaborating with us on this and stretching the city funds to make this happen.”

Maintenance Director Shaun Gardner provided a maintenance update. He told board members that the Young Tiger concession stand will not be set up at the Central Park holiday light display this year due to COVID19. 

A donation mailbox will be placed at the south end of the Indiana Street lot. Any donations will go toward next year’s display 

Regarding social distancing concerns and the Central Park light displays, Plummer said he thinks many people will just drive through the display area this year. He encourages visitors who get out and walk through to wear masks and be mindful of others. 

“If it creates a problem, we’ll have to address it,” Plummer said.

Lastly, Plummer thanked board members for providing boxed lunches for park employees. This is being done in place of the usual holiday luncheon.

The next regular meeting will be 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 15.