WARSAW — Warsaw Park Superintendent Larry Plummer told the park board earlier this week about the struggles of finding nationally acclaimed entertainers that are in the city's price range for its two big annual free concerts.

Money from sponsors and the city covers those costs and Plummer raised the idea of increasing the city's contribution.

Earlier this summer, Great White was the main act for the "Rockin' for Riley" classic rock concert in Central Park, and last week, a trio of well-established country singers performing under the name, The Frontmen, was the headliner for the country concert.

Plummer talked about the difficulties they're facing after Tuesday's board meeting.

"Over the years, we've got Kansas, we've got big bands ... and then COVID hit, and it just seemed like the prices of artists just jumped — I mean it jumped twofold," Plummer said.

The current funding level, he said, limits the choices of entertainers who are available within their price range.

"It's hard. This year, we only had about two bands to choose from," Plummer said. "We were lucky to get what we got."

The free country and rock concerts have been a tradition for more than three decades since Central Park first opened.

The park board is seeking to increase that funding for next year, but city council has the final decision.

"We're hoping that by jumping from ... like say $30,000 up to $40,000, that we can get a few more on that list and have some availability," Plummer said.

City Council will begin reviewing department budget plans on Aug. 3.

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WARSAW — As part of a Family Movie Night, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department will show Disney’s “Frozen” at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center.

Doors for the showing open at 6 p.m.

This family-friendly event is free and made possible through a partnership with the WCHS PAC and OrthoPediatrics.

Come early to grab your concessions, snap photos at the photo booth (with appearances by several characters from “Frozen”), pick your seat and get settled before the movie begins.
Concessions will include movie theater candy, popcorn and bottled water - each for $2.

After the movie, make sure to stop by the Parks Department table for a fun goody bag for the kids — while supplies last.

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WARSAW — National Go Skateboarding Day is Saturday, and Warsaw Parks will celebrate with an event at Mantis Skate Park.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and will include a door prize, free goodie
bags and ice cream from 3 to 4 p.m. (while supplies last).

Remember, participants must be present to win the door prize!

Helmets are mandatory, and a waiver and emergency contact form must be
completed in order to skate. If we don’t have them on file yet, don’t worry — forms will be
available for you (or a parent/guardian) to fill out on site or can be found on our website.

Sponsors for the park include Papa John's, Sterling Contracting, and Linda
Chastain.

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WARSAW — The following is a list of 2025 Summer Concert & Event Series hosted by Warsaw Parks and Recreation:

May 23 at 7 p.m.: - The Hipposonics - Pop & Classic Rock at Central Park

May 30 at 7 p.m.: The Blue Holler Band - Bluegrass Music at Lucerne Park

June 6 at 7 p.m.: Chris Golden - Gospel Artist at Central Park Plaza

June 13 at 7 p.m.: The DeeBee’s - Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band at Lucerne Park Amphitheater

June 20 at 7 p.m.: Classic Rock Concert Benefit For KC Riley Kids Fund at Glover Pavilion, Central Park. Recess opens at 6:30 p.m. and Steven Adler From Guns N’ Roses performs at 8 p.m.

June 27 at 7 p.m.: OK Boomer Band - Acoustic Classic Rock at Lucerne Park Amphitheater

July 11 at 7 p.m.: Seymour - John Mellencamp Tribute Band at Central Park Plaza

July 12 at 6 p.m.: Picnic In The Park/Movie Date at Lucerne Park -

July 18 --  Country Concert For St Jude at Glover Pavilion, Central Park. Confederate Railroad performs at 7 p.m. and the Kentucky Headhunters perform at 8:30 p.m.

July 25 at 7 p.m.: The Resurrection Blues Band at Lucerne Park -

Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.: Lake Area Community Band at Central Park Plaza

Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.: Tege Holt & The Lonesome Pines - Country at Central Park Glover Pavilion

Aug. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.: FREE Touch-A-Truck Event at Central Park

Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., Movie at 7:30 p.m. - Fall Family Fun Event at Lucerne Park

Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 pm: Light Up The Night at Central Park

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WARSAW — Warsaw Parks and Recreation has planned three events at the Pete Thorn Center during Spring Break in April.

The center is at 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw.

The first is April 9 with a ceramics painting session. Create a colorful masterpiece while snacking on freshly popped popcorn. All materials — including ceramics, paint, and brushes—will be provided. You just need to bring your creativity.

Registration is required and will be open through April 4th, or until full. This event is open to all ages, and pricing will vary based on the ceramic pieces chosen. Detailed images and
dimensions of available ceramics can be found online when registering.

Start time is 1:30 p.m.

Please note: Family members attending but not painting do not need to register.

On April 10, it's an Earth Day Celebration from 1 to 2 p.m.

The activity is geared for children 6 and older and there is a $5 fee.

The early Earth Day celebration will include interactive programs that are all about
teaching kids the importance of protecting the planet and inspiring them to take action. Kids will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities at various stations, including crafting with recycled materials, planting seeds, and exploring nature.

This event is limited to 20 spots. Registration is required and will be available through April 4, or until full.

On April 11, a 90-minute family paint class starts a 6 p.m.

The program is for those 3 and older and participation is $15 per participant.

In this instructor-led session, everyone will have the chance to create and take home their own charming Bunny painting.

Each painting will be completed on a 11"x14" canvas, and all necessary materials will be
provided.

Registration is required and will be available through April 4th, or until full.

Please note: Family members attending but not painting do not need to register.

Click here to register and learn more.

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WARSAW — It’s been 18 months since the old Center Lake Pavilion was extensively renovated.

The revamped park property has a new kitchen, new restrooms, a spruced-up interior, large video screens and a brighter atmosphere thanks in part to a large bank of windows overlooking Center Lake.

Two and a half million dollars of the $3 million project was provided by the Zimmer Biomet Foundation and coincided with a change of name to Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion.

"It's much better, Dan, I mean we've never seen a facility like this," said Parks Superindent Larry Plummer who made the comments during a taping of In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Plummer said the pavilion has become a magnet for gatherings.

"From the end of April all the way to the end of August, there isn't a Saturday open for that facility," he said. "We've also seen an uptick in weekly rentals. We've had corporations within Warsaw and outside of Warsaw come to use that facility during the week, so that's a big plus."

Last fall, vandals caused damage to two restrooms which are accessible from the outdoors.

It took a while for police to find the suspects, but several (adult and juvenile) are now facing charges.

Plummer said he believes that outdoor security cameras were keys to their apprehensions.

Other park-related topics included the removal of the Center Lake Pier, proposed new piers, an increased emphasis on fishing and the daddy-daughter dance.

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

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WARSAW — Center Lake Beach could be reopened on Thursday — Independence Day — if tests taken Wednesday show a reduction in E.coli bacteria, according to Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer.

The beach was closed Wednesday morning after the Kosciusko County Health Department notified the parks department that tests taken Tuesday showed an unsafe level of E.coli, Plummer said Wednesday afternoon.

More tests were taken on Wednesday.

"We'll get a reading on those samples in the morning and they'll advise us if the counts are good — if they're good, we'll reopen the beach," Plummer said.

Updates on tests will be posted on the City of Warsaw Parks Department Facebook page.

The beach has been closed previously because of E.coli, but Wednesday’s decision was the first in nearly seven years.

Plummer said the recent high temperatures, may have contributed to the presence of E.coli.

Officials for years have said the old cement pier on the beach has contributed to the presence of E.coli because it causes water stagnation.

The pier has been closed for a year and the city plans to remove it when money becomes available.

He said the emergency closing reinforces the need to remove the pier.

Given the measures that have been taken in recent years to reduce E.coli, Plummer is hoping it’s an isolated incident.

The parks department uses a specialized rake to remove debris — including goose droppings — from the beach seven days a week. 

Employees also remove geese from its two beaches when they show up.

The only geese removed this year, though, have been at Pike Lake, he said.

"We have not seen them at Center so I don't think it's a fowl problem," he said. "I would lean more toward temperature or water movement. I'm not a scientist, but that's my sense over the years."

Plummer was asked if the circumstances reminded him of Jaws, the classic 1970s movie in which a community was under pressure to close a beach over a public safety issue (a shark!) ahead of the Fourth of July.

He laughed and offered an optimistic outlook.

"Our hopes are that the tests come back tomorrow and we can get the beach back open and our lifeguards are ready one way or another."

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Parks Department's free Summer Concert Series continues Friday with The Moon Cats performing at 7 p.m. at Lucerne Park Amphitheater.

 The Moon Cats perform mostly a mix of music from the 1950s and ’60s.

Sponsors for the Summer Concert series are the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Indiana Arts Commission and 107.3 WRSW, Willie 103.5, and News Now Warsaw.

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WARSAW — Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2 and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw.

The event cost is $20 per participant and for ages 3-14. This year’s theme is Denim & Diamonds, where navy blues and sparkles set the tone. During the night, there will be a photo opportunity as well.

Grandfathers and other male guardians are encouraged to participate.
Registration is required and opens Jan. 3 through Jan. 24, unless filled.To register, click here.

For assistance or questions, email parksevents@warsaw.in.gov, or call 574-372-9554.

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WARSAW -- Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department has announced plans for a Nerf battle between moms and sons.

The battlefield will be equipped with barricades to hide behind while you take on
opponents. Each battle is an hour long.

The event is one of several new programs offered this year by the parks department and will be on July 10 at the Pete Thorn Youth Center gym with three different starting times: 10-11 a.m., 2-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Each male will receive a goody bag.

Each participant must bring their own non-battery-operated Nerf gun. Nerf
darts will be provided to each participant Only the darts purchased by the Parks
Department will be allowed during the battle.

Registration is required and opens Thursday and continues thru June 30 or until filled.

Each participant must register, The cost is $7 per participant. For example, a mom and son are coming and it will cost a total of $14.
To register click here.

Gold Level sponsorship is being provided by Lake City Saver.

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