By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — With most of the improvements now complete at Limitless Park in Winona Lake, the town is now looking at some much-needed upgrades at Bibler Park in Southtown Estates.
The town’s parks department hosted an open house on Monday and continues to seek ideas on how to improve the park, which is located at the north end of Faunn Street, and adjacent to a small lake.
Park Director Holly Hummitch said her top priority is replacing the play station, which is nearly 30 years old.
“We have had to remove pieces of this structure just to make it safe,” Humitch said during the open house held under the park’s gazebo. “It needs replacing.”
She said they hope to use grant money and admits progress toward improvements will be limited by the amount of funds available.
The park is surrounded by families, many of whom have children.
The park is popular for fishing and has benches spread around nearby trees.
One person said he sees more people fishing than children playing in the park.
Among those at the open house was Shari Skaggs, whose father, Bill Bibler, was a major developer in the area for decades and donated land for the park.
She agrees that improvements are needed.
“My kids, all four, grew up on this when it was opened in (1996-1997), and so I’m looking forward to having a new place for my grandchildren to play,” Skaggs said.
She said she’s pleased with how the town has grown over the years.
“It has developed nicely. I think my parents would be proud to see how well it’s come along,” she said.
Other ideas under consideration for the park is the construction of a pier and an enclosed play area for toddlers.
Anyone with other ideas is encouraged to contact the Winona Lake Parks Department.
The best email is parkdept@winonalake.in.go or call (574) 267-2310.
