WARSAW -- The city of Warsaw will use some of its remaining American Rescue Plan money to significantly boost park activities this year.

The city received upward of $3.1 million in emergency COVID money and has spent a little more than half of that so far and has a few more years to do so.

Officials agreed to provide $25,000 for the endeavor and about $19,000 will be used this year.

On Tuesday, the park board and city council OK'd detailed plans to upgrade Mantis skate park and establish numerous new and expanded programs

That includes $7,500 for upgrades at Mantis Skate Park that will open the door for bicycles use at the park during certain hours

Much of the other money will go toward supplies.

Recreational director Stephanie Schaefer detailed a long list of new programs with an emphasis on serving teens and senior citizens.

She said her plan is to start small and see how it goes. She also wants to provide programming that can continue with federal money is no longer available..

Other highlights:

• A new mommy-son dance
• A new mommy-son nerf battle
• Senior citizen paint class
• The hiring of a pickleball instructor

Existing programs such as the Family Carnival, Fall Family Fun and Santa’s workshop will all be expanded.

City councilwoman Diance Quance, who sits on the city’s ARPA committee, said she helped get the ball rolling by working with Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer and Shaefer.

 From there, Schaefer began brainstorming a list that was then trimmed down and presented to the park board.

 Shaefer said she’s not overwhelmed by the large expansion of programs and is excited to provide residents with new opportunities in the city parks.

 Below are documents outlining the plans.

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