2024 Recreation Guide

Pete Thorn Center: Parks Dept. Office 123 E. Fort Wayne Street

Warsaw, IN 46580

(Open Year Round)

Phone: (574) 372-9554

Fax: (574) 372-9555

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The reception desk will close daily from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

Stephanie Schaefer | Recreation Director

Lynnae Miller | Recreation Director Assistant

How to Register for a Program

Option 1: Visit our office at 123 E. Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw.

Option 2: Visit our website at www.warsaw.in.gov/parks for online registration.

Refunds: The Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department’s Program Refund Policy is available on our website as well as the registration form.

Photo Disclosure: Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department reserves the right to photograph programs and events for documentation and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be included in this photography, please notify our staff.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an important part of what makes our programs successful. Opportunities exist for a wide variety of skillsets and interests. Visit warsaw.in.gov/volunteer to submit a Volunteer Interest Form today! E-mail us at parksevents@warsaw.in.gov for questions or additional information.

Event and concert sponsorships are an essential part of offering successful and meaningful recreational opportunities to individuals and families in our community. Your involvement as an organization not only contributes to this successful community outcome, but it also gives you an opportunity to market to individuals from a variety of backgrounds, families, and interest groups.

For more information, please contact our Recreation Director at sschaefer@warsaw.in.gov or (574) 372-9554 x 603

2025 Food Vendor Opportunities

Calling all food vendors! Come be a part of our 2025 season. Annual vendor sign-up begins on October 21, 2024; all applications received are considered on a first come, first served basis. Along with purchasing your vendor spot, electrical and water access can be added on. Vendor opportunities are available at the Rockin’ for Riley Concert, Country Concert for St. Jude, and our Family Carnival.

Vendors with trailers must purchase enough space to fit their entire trailer, tongue and bumper included, so that they are able to maneuver their trailer as needed with vendors next to them.

Required vendor documents:

Not for Profit – Certificate of Insurance naming City of Warsaw Parks Department as additional insured & proof of charitable/not for profit status

For Profit – Certificate of Insurance naming City of Warsaw Parks Department as additional insured & Kosciusko County Health Department certificate

Event Dates:

Rockin’ for Riley Concert | Friday, June 20, 2025

Country Concert for St. Jude | Friday, July 18, 2025

Family Carnival | Friday, July 25, 2025

750 E. Arthur St, Warsaw, IN 46580

Hire Park BMX is sanctioned by the USA BMX and offers racing for all ages. Opportunities range from a training wheel class to 55 and over, beginner to pro, boys and girls, camps to rider clinics, and more. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

For more information on Hire Park BMX or planned events, call Dan Rumple at (574) 268-RIDE (7433) or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HireParkBMX.

Young Tiger Football & Cheer

Each year, Young Tigers serves almost 200 Warsaw boys and girls, and provides over 14,000 hours of youth development to the community. Young Tigers youth development focuses on children ages 7-12 to promote athletics, player safety, leadership skills, and community service participation.

For more information, contact Andy Owens at (574) 377-1034 or visit www.youngtigersfootball.com

All Young Tigers coaches are required to maintain ‘Heads Up’ certification from USA Football.

Lifeguard Information

Center Lake Beach | 119 E. Canal Street

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Pike Lake Beach | 1009 E. Arthur Street

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Parks Department provides lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. When fully staffed, both lakes will have guards 7 days a week. As staffing changes during and toward the end of the season, guards may only be at one lake or only present on weekends.

Lifeguards will not be on duty if the temperature is below 70 degrees. In the event of approaching inclement weather, a light strobe and siren will sound at both beaches. We ask that park patrons clear the beach and seek shelter should this occur. We also kindly request our beach-goers to respect any requests or commands given by our lifeguards. Safety is our #1 concern, and abuse and/or belligerent behavior toward any member of our Parks staff will not be tolerated.

When lifeguards are not on duty, Center Lake Beach and Pike Lake Beach are swim at your own risk.

Self-Service Equipment Rentals

Kayaks & Paddle Boards available at these locations:

Center Lake Beach | 119 E. Canal Street

7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m.

Pike Lake Beach | 1009 E. Arthur Street

7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m.

Cost | $15 for 1 hour or $40 for 4 hours

You can find kayaks and paddle boards at both beaches. Every rental includes the kayak or paddle board, a paddle, and a life jacket. The kiosk is powered by the Rent.Fun app, so to save yourself time, find the app in your phone’s app store and download it before you go. Rentals require the use of a credit or debit card.

Community Paddle Boarding

Community Paddle Boarding

Pike Lake Beach | 1009 E. Arthur St.

May 29 | June 5 & 15 | July 3, 13 & 24

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

No Registration Required

An annual waiver and rules sheet must be signed by each participant or a parent/guardian for anyone under the age of 18. Participants under 16 must have an adult in the water with them. All equipment provided to the community for use on a first come, first served basis.

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Mantis Skate Park

Mantis Skate Park is a fully supervised, familyfriendly skate facility everyone, from elementary students to adults can enjoy. The park offers a Rhino ramp sytem thanks to support from the K21 Health Foundation. Skateboards, scooters, and inline skates are welcome.

Helmets are required at all times.

WAIVER

AND

EMERGENCY

CONTACT FORMS MUST BE ON FILE TO SKATE ** MUST COMPLETE ANNUALLY**

School Hours:

May 18 - 26 | August 7 - 30

Monday through Friday: 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Summer Hours:

May 28 - August 6

Monday through Friday: 12 - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Park closures: May 27 | July 4 - 7

Special Event Dates:

May 18

Opening Day 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

June 22 Go Skate/Scoot Day, 4 - 6 p.m.

August 2 Late Skate/Glow Night, 8 - 10 p.m.

Gold Level Sponsor: State Farm Agent Linda Chastain Bronze Level Sponsor: Papa John’s

Summer Concert Series | Fridays 7:00

- 8:30 p.m.

The Summer Concert Series is a perfect opportunity to spend time with the family, enjoy familiar tunes, and experience new types of music. Performances made possible by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and the Indiana Arts Commission - a state agency. Additional sponsorship by 107.3 WRSW, Willie 103.5, and News Now! Warsaw.

May 24 Matt Gabriel Pop/Americana Central Park

May 31 Moonshots 50’s - Today Lucerne Park

June 7 The Sound Gospel Central Park

June 14 Lightnin’ Rod & The Thunderbolts Blues Lucerne Park

June 28 The Moon Cats 50’s - 70’s Lucerne Park

July 12 Kennedy’s Kitchen Irish Lucerne Park

August 2 The Lake Area Community Band Concert Band Central Park

August 9 Big Daddy Dupree’s Broke Blues Lucerne Park & Hungry Blues Band

August 16 Hubie Ashcraft Country Glover Pavilion

Rockin’ for Riley Concert

Featuring Everclear 8:00 p.m.

The Michael Weber Show 6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 21 at the Glover Pavilion

Gold Level Sponsors: McDonald’s Boldt Enterprises, WRSW 107.3, and Zimmer Biomet

Silver Level Sponsor: DePuy Synthes

Featuring Kimberly Perry 8:00 p.m.

Kaitlyn Baker & Joe Lasher 6:30 p.m

Friday, July 19 at the Glover Pavilion

Gold Level Sponsors: The Dr. Dane & Mary Louise Miller Foundation, McDonald’s Boldt Enterprises, Willie 103.5, and Zimmer Biomet

Silver Level Sponsor: DePuy Synthes

&

The Dr. Dane

Mary Louise Miller Foundation

Country Concert for St. Jude

Mommy & Son Dance

Friday, May 3 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ZB Center Lake Pavilion

Ages 3 - 14

Calling all moms and their sons to our Mom and Son Dance! During the evening you will have a chance for a photo opportunity and each boy will receive a goody bag and a treat! Grandmothers, aunts, and other female guardians are encouraged to participate.

$20 per person

Registration required

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Imagination Station

Tuesday, May 21 | Water Fun

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Library Stories in the Park

Thursday, May 30 | 11:00 a.m - Noon Beyer Park

Join us and the Warsaw Community Public Library for our traveling Library Stories in the Park! We will be traveling to different parks for story time and games.

Kids Fishing Derby

Saturday, June 1 | 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Bixler Park | Ages 3 - 16

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish and more for various age groups. The first 30 kids will receive a gift bag. Participants must bring their own pole and bait.

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Nature Explorers

Imagination Station

Tuesday, June 4 | Bubbles

Tuesday, June 18 | Camping 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 & 24

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Lucerne Park, Cabin #4

Ages 8 & up | $8 per participant, per week

Registration is required

Discover nature in local parks! This fun, fast paced, interactive 4-week program is designed to connect youth to nature by encouraging exploration!

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Pickleball Clinics

June 10, 12, 14 | 8 - 10 years old | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Free

June 10, 12, 14 | 11 - 13 years old | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Free

June 11, 18, 20 & 25 | 14 years old - Adult | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | $20 Registration is required

Join us for an instructor led class on learning techniques and the basics of the fast growing sport of Pickleball! All equipment will be provided at each clinic. Each clinic will offer specific learning techniques to help understand the sport!

Library Stories in the Park

Thursday, June 6 | 11:00 a.m - Noon | Central Park West Shelter

Thursday, June 13 | 11:00 a.m. - Noon | Kelly Park

Thursday, June 20 | 11:00 a.m. - Noon | Richardson-Dubois Park

Join us and the Warsaw Community Public Library on Thursdays for our traveling Library Stories in the Park! We will be traveling to different parks for story time and games.

Family Movie Night

Friday, June 7 | Scoob! | Lucerne Park | 7:30 p.m.

Feature will begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and gather your friends for a family-friendly movie outside on the monster screen.

Silver Level Sponsor: DePuy Synthes and OrthoPediatrics

Wipe Out

Wednesday, June 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Pike Lake Beach

Bring your A-game and try to make it to the end of the Aqua Glide without wiping out! This water obstacle course will test your agility, balance, and overall coordination! All ages welcome. Waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

** Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating **

Wednesday, June 26 l 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Lucerne Park | All Ages

Join us for our first ever slip-n-slide luau and foam party!! We will have our slip-n-slide on the hill at Lucerne Park while simultaneously having our FIRST EVER foam party! Waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

**Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating**

Slip-n-Slide Luau & Foam Party

Science Camp

Mondays, July 1, 8 & 15

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium Ages 8 & up | $8 per participant, per week

Registration is required

Our first ever Science Camp is coming to a park near you! We are excited to offer 3 different days of kid-friendly hands-on experimenting. Goggles, protective gear, and supplies will all be provided.

Imagination Station

Tuesday, July 2 | Pirates & Mermaids Tuesday, July 16 | Christmas in July 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Wipe Out

Wednesday, July 10 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Pike Lake Beach

Bring your A-game and try to make it to the end of the Aqua Glide without wiping out! This water obstacle course will test your agility, balance, and overall coordination! All ages welcome. Waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

**Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating**

Nerf War | Mom vs. Son & Family Nerf Battle

Mom vs. Son | Monday, July 22

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Famly Nerf Battle | Tuesday, July 23

10 - 11 a.m. | 1 - 2 p.m. | 4 - 5 p.m. | 7 - 8 p.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium

$7 per participant

Registration is required

Join us in a heated battle as you take on your opponents! The battlefield will be equipped with barricades and each battle session will be 1 hour long. We will supply all the darts for battle but ask that you bring your own Nerf gun; however, no battery-operated Nerf guns will be allowed.

Friday, July 26 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m | Central Park

A carnival in the park for the entire family! Enjoy food vendors, face painting, caricature artists, balloon twisters, inflatables, and games!

Writsbands $10 | Single tickets $0.25 Cash only event

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Silver Level Sponsor: DePuy Synthes and Growing Kids

Bronze Level Sponsor: VIA Credit Union

Wednesday, July 31 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Lucerne Park | All Ages

Join us for a fun filled afternoon of slip-n-slide on the hill! Waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

**Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating**

Monday, August 5 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Pike Lake Beach

Bring your A-game and try to make it to the end of the Aqua Glide without wiping out! This water obstacle course will test your agility, balance, and overall coordination! All ages welcome. Waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

**Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating**

Friday, August 23 | Wonka | Lucerne Park | 7:30 p.m.

Feature will begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and gather your friends for a family-friendly movie outside on the monster screen.

Silver Level Sponsor: DePuy Synthes and OrthoPediatrics

Saturday, September 21 | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Central Park | All Ages

Shift your imagination into high gear! This free community event is fun for the young and young at heart. Participants will have an opportunity to touch, explore, and see their favorite trucks or equipment up close and personal.

Silver Level Sponsors: Growing Kids and Warsaw Buick GMC

Bronze Level Sponsors: Kuert Concrete and VIA Credit Union

Each class will showcase a different creative method and project. Participants will receive step by step instructions for completion. All materials are included in the cost of the class.

Fall Family Fun

Friday, October 4 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Lucerne Park

Enjoy a fall evening by the lake full of free activities for the whole family. We will have hayrides, bounce houses, a campfire with s’mores, balloon twisters, and more!

We’ll end the night with a movie on the Monster Screen in the amphitheater. “Elemental” will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. as the cabin activities wind down.

Silver Level Sponsor: VIA Credit Union

Tuesday, October 15 | Leaves 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, October 16 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6

Ceramics & Cookies | Thursday, October 17 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

String Art | Saturday, October 19 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | $15 Registration is required

Each class will showcase a different creative method and project. Participants will receive step by step instructions for completion. All materials are included in the cost of the class.

Imagination Station

Art in the Park

Christmas Ornaments | Friday, November 1 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | $15

Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, November 13 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6

Holiday Paint Class | Friday, November 15 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | $20

Each class will showcase a different creative method and project. Participants will receive step by step instructions for completion. All materials are included in the cost of the class.

November 1 - December 2 | $3 per letter

Make the holidays even more special for your little ones this year by signing them up to receive a letter from Santa himself! These letters will be personalized based off the information you provide. Forms are available in person or online. Form and payment can be dropped off at our office or mailed to us.

Letters will be mailed out no later than December 13th.

Tuesday, November 19 | Turkey Day

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Central Park Holiday Light Display

December 1 - 31: Central Park’s holiday light display is a community favorite. Come celebrate the holiday season by walking through the more than 200,000 festive lights. The display is illuminated daily during December from dusk until dawn.

Gold Level Sponsors: Lake City Saver and McDonald’s Boldt Enterprises

Silver Level Sponsor: Maple Leaf Farms

Light up the Night

Friday, December 6 | Central Park Glover Pavilion

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Help us ring in the holiday season with this special night. Children will receive glow necklaces & goody bags while supplies last. Don’t miss out on a chance to see Santa!

Silver Level Sponsor: Steve & Jill Beehler

Bronze Level Sponsor: Via Credit Union

Santa’s Workshop

Friday, December 13 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 14 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium

$20 per participant

Registration is required

Participants can be become one of Santa’s elves for a day. There’s toys to make, cookies to decorate and a chance to visit with Santa to make sure they’re on the nice list.

Imagination Station

Imagination Station

Tuesday, December 17 | Reindeer

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 -7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Kids Coloring Contest

Monday, January 6 - January 20, 2025

Little artists, now is your time to shine! Each age group will have their own pages to color for a chance at 1st or 2nd place. The Kosciusko County Council on Aging and Aged participants will vote on their favorite coloring pages on Thursday, January 23rd. Then votes will be tallied and our winners will be announced on Friday, January 24th. Winners will receive an appropriate prize based on their age group.

Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance

Friday, February 7, 2025 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Eggstravaganza - 2023 DddddDaddy’s Little Sweetheart

Saturday, February 8, 2025 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ZB Center Lake Pavilion Ages 3 - 14

$20 per person. Tickets go on sale January 6th and remain available until sold out.

“Be our guest” at our annual Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance! Daughters and their fathers or father figures are invited to a fun night out with a DJ, treats and goody bags, photo ops, and so much more!

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Imagination Station

Imagination Station

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | I HEART Imagination Station 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 -7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6

Bob Ross Paint Class | Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | $50

Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6

Ceramics & Popcorn | Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Family Painting Class | Friday, April 11, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | $15

Registration is required

Each class will showcase a different creative method and project. Participants will receive step by step instructions for completion. All materials are included in the cost of the class.

Imagination Station

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | Spring Flowers

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | April Showers

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium | Ages 3 - 7

A parent-child program full of activities, crafts, stories, and more. Each week features exciting themes for the kids! Don’t miss this fun opportunity!

Mommy & Son Dance

Friday, May 2, 2025 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ZB Center Lake Pavilion

Ages 3 - 14

$20 per person. Tickets go on sale March 17 and remain available until sold out.

“Be our guest” at our annual Mommy and Son Dance. Sons and their mothers or mother figures are invited to a fun night out with a DJ, treats and goody bags, photo ops, and so much more!

Gold Level Sponsor: Lake City Saver

Linda Chastain

The Dr. Dane & Mary Louise Miller Foundation

parksevents@warsaw.in.gov

warsawparksnrec facebook.com/WarsawParks