Stephanie Schaefer, front, and her husband Eric, befriend a deer at Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska. Stephanie Schaefer is the recreation director of the Warsaw Parks Department. Photo provided by Stephanie Schaefer.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — “I believe parks make cities better places to work, live and play,” stated Stephanie Schaefer, the recreation director of Warsaw Parks and Recreation. “That’s why I love my job of planning, developing, directing and evaluating all the park programs. I love seeing people from preschoolers to senior citizens enjoy our parks and what we have to offer.”

Some of Schaefer’s fondest memories are visiting area parks with her Aunt Kathy. “She was the editor of the local newspaper. She’d cover many of the events happening in our local parks. I loved listening to her interview people. We visited Kiddieland and Richardson Dubois Park. One of my most memorable experiences as a child was getting some autographs from the boys’ basketball team at the park. One of the autographs I got was from Jeff Grose, who is now our mayor.”

Schaefer was a stay-at-home mom before she applied for part-time employment at the parks department. “I started as the Mantis Skate Park recreation leader. Then I became the supervisor. I moved to recreation assistant of the parks department. And now I’m the recreation director. This is my 18th year working for the Warsaw Parks Department.”

She says there is no typical day at work. “Every day is different. My programs and events are influenced by the people I talk to in person, by phone and email. I write grants and contracts. I also pay all claims for the recreation department and do employee time sheets.”

Her job is to put together the Summer Concert Series. “We have two main fund-raising concerts we do with local radio stations. One is called ‘Rockin’ for Riley.’ The funds go for children in Kosciusko County who are going to Riley Hospital for Children. Our other fund raiser is ‘Country Concert for St. Jude.’ The proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.”

Schaefer especially enjoys talking to kids after these concerts and the other activities the parks department sponsors. “They’re the ones who show their excitement the most. It’s great to see the smiles on their faces.”

One of her biggest challenges is finding enough sponsors and volunteers for the programs. “We appreciate the donors. Their help makes things possible. We always need volunteers. Most who help out have a marvelous experience.”

Some of the happiest volunteers are from Via Credit Union. “They’ve volunteered for years at the ‘Family Carnival.’ And they supervise the campfire and S’more making at the ‘Fall Family Fun’ program.”

Those wanting to volunteer or sponsor an event can get in touch with Schaefer by filling out a form on the park’s website: warsaw.in.gov/parks. “Those who volunteer will have a rich and fun experience, I promise.”

Parks provide a way for the whole community to work together to create beauty and fellowship. “That’s something Mayor Grose has stressed — neighbors helping neighbors. When the whole community comes together to make things happen, it’s phenomenal.”

Schaefer and her husband Eric will celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary in November. They love to travel. They have visited 49 of the 50 states and are scheduled to visit Kansas, their 50th state, in September.

“Our favorite trip was to Hawaii. We visited two different islands. We were also able to go cage snorkeling with sharks all around us.” The Schaefers are Jeep people and love leaving ducks for other enthusiasts.