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 or by scanning the QR code on the back page.
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 or email Stephanie at sschaefer@warsaw.in.gov for questions or additional information.
Hire Park BMX
750 E. Arthur Street, 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!
Additional information can be found on Facebook at Hire Park BMX or by reaching out to Tyler via email at tyler.monesmith@gmail.com.
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.
Mantis Skate Park
Mantis Skate Park is located at 400 Little League Drive in Warsaw, IN. This fully supervised, familyfriendly facility is perfect for everyone from young children to adults. The park offers a Rhino ramp sytem, made possible by the generous support of 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 17 - 24 | August 4 - 29
Monday through Friday: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Summer Hours:
May 27 - August 2
Monday through Friday: 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Park closures:
May 26 | July 4 & 5
Special Event Dates:
May 17 Opening Day, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
June 21 Go Skate/Scoot Day, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
August 29 Late Skate/Glow Night, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Level Sponsors: Linda Chastain and 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 Rabb Water Systems, Papa John’s, 107.3 WRSW, Willie 103.5, and News Now Warsaw!.
May 23 The Hipposonics Pop/Classic Rock Central Park
May 30 Blue Holler Band Bluegrass Lucerne Park
June 6 Chris Golden Gospel Central Park
June 13 DeeBee’s Jimmy Buffett Night Lucerne Park
June 27 Ok Boomer Band Acoustic Classic Rock Lucerne Park
July 11 Seymour John Mellencamp Tribute Central Park
July 25 The Resurrection Blues Band Blues Lucerne Park
August 8 Lake Area Community Band Concert Band Central Park
August 15 Tege Holt & The Lonesome Pines Country Glover Pavilion
Silver Level Sponsors: Johnson & Johnson and Rabb Water Systems
Featuring The Kentucky Headhunters 8:30 p.m.
Confederate Railroad 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 18 at the Glover Pavilion
225 E. Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw
Gold Level Sponsors: The Dr. Dane & Mary Louise Miller Foundation, McDonald’s Boldt Enterprises, Willie 103.5, and Zimmer Biomet
Silver Level Sponsors: Johnson & Johnson and Rabb Water Systems
The Dr. Dane & Mary Louise Miller Foundation
Country Concert for St. Jude
Mommy & Son Dance
Friday, May 2 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion Ages 3 - 14
Calling all moms and their sons to our Mommy 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. No tickets will be sold at the door.
4:00 p.m.
Age 10 + | $20 per participant | Registration is required
Participants will receive step by step instructions for completion. All materials are included in the cost of the class.
Imagination Station
Tuesday, May 20 | Around the Neighborhood Tuesday, June 10 | World Ocean 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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Library Stories in the Park
Thursday, June 5 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Bixler Park
Thursday, June 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Richardson-Dubois Park Thursday, June 26 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 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.
Gold Level Sponsor: Shop Smart Magazine
Family Paint Class | Saturday, May 31 | 2:00 -
Art in the Park
Thursday, July 3 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Central Park West Shelter
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.
Imagination Station
Wipe Out
Tuesday, July 8 | Welcome to our Pond
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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Thursday, 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.
Kona Ice will be available for purchase at this event.
** Parents or guardian must remain at the event while child is participating **
Picnic in the Park & Family Movie Night
Saturday, July 12 | 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Lucerne Park
Come join us for a free fun-filled picnic at Lucerne Park! We’ll have free hot dogs, popcorn, and bottled water available while supplies last, and plenty of yard games to enjoy throughout the park.
At 7:00 p.m., we’ll be showing the classic hit movie The Little Rascals in the amphitheater. It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!
This event is sponsored by OrthoPediatrics, Kroger, and Warsaw Missionary Church.
Science Camp
Mondays, July 14, 21, & 28
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium
Ages 8 & up | $8 per participant, per week
Registration is required
Calling all curious minds! Join us for an action-packed, handson science camp, where your child will dive deep into the world of science through exciting experiments and creative challenges! This camp is designed to ignite curiosity, spark imagination, and build problem-solving skills - all while having a blast!
Goggles, protective gear, and supplies will all be provided.
Thursday, July 24 | Lucerne Park Amphitheater
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Free | All ages
Join us for a fun, interactive, and educational experience that brings you face-to-face with some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Whether you’re a fan of fuzzy, friendly animals or you’re intrigued by the mysterious and creepy, there’s something for everyone in this exciting program. Perfect for all ages! It’s an unforgettable opportunity to learn, laugh, and be amazed by the incredible world of animals!
Kona Ice will be available for purchase at this event.
Mark’s Ark Animal Show
Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, August 23 | 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Central Park
Get ready for a hands-on adventure at our Touch-A-Truck event! This family-friendly experience gives children and adults alike the chance to explore an exciting collection of trucks, fire engines, construction vehicles, and more. Whether you’re fascinated by big rigs or curious about emergency vehicles, this event has something for everyone!
Kona Ice will be available for purchase at this event.
Silver Level Sponsors: Growing Kids Learning Center, Ozinga, and Warsaw GMC
Bronze Level Sponsor: Kuert Concrete
Tuesday, September 16 | Wild West 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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Senior Craft Class | Wednesday, September 24 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | $6
Family Pumpkin Painting Class | Friday, September 26 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | $5
Senior Paint Class | Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6
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
Fall Family Fun
Friday, October 3 | Activities 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Lucerne Park
Enjoy a fall evening by the lake full of free activities for the whole family. We will have hayrides, a corn maze, a campfire with s’mores, a petting farm, pig races, and more!
We will end the night with a movie on the Monster Screen in the amphitheater. Charlotte’s Web will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. as all cabin activities end at 8:00 p.m.
Silver Level Sponsors: OrthoPediatrics, Warsaw Missionary Church, and Via Credit Union Bronze Level Sponsors: Medtronic and Physicians Urgent Care/Wellnow Urgent Care
Imagination Station
Tuesday, October 14 | Down on the Farm
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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Go Wild
Thursday, October 16 | Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium
Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure! You’ll discover fascinating animal facts, participate in engaging hands-on activities, and even take home your very own cuddly stuffed animal. Get ready to explore the jungle with us!
Family Game Night
Family Game Night
Friday, October 17 | Pete Thorn Center Gymnasium 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | All ages | No registration required
Challenge your family and friends in a free fun filled evening of friendly competition at our Family Game Night! Show off your skills at board games, card games, and even giant-sized versions of classic games. With a variety of games and stations to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This free event is brought to you in partnership with the Warsaw Community Public Library.
Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, October 15 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6
Door Sign Class | Saturday, November 15 | 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. | $25
Senior Craft Class | Wednesday, November 19 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. |$6
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.
Letters from Santa
November 3 - December 1 | $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 will be available in person or online. Form and payment can be dropped off at our office or mailed to us.
Family Movie Night
Saturday, November 8 | 7:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Center | Warsaw Community High School
Join the Warsaw Parks Department and the Performing Arts Center at Warsaw Community High School for a free family movie night featuring The Grinch!
This free event is brought to you in partnership with the Performing Arts Center and OrthoPediatrics.
Imagination Station
Station
Tuesday, November 18 | Curious George 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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Kids Coloring Contest
Monday, January 5 - Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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 22nd. Votes will be tallied and our winners will be announced on Friday, January 23rd.
Winners will receive an appropriate prize based on their age group.
Family Movie Night
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Center | Warsaw Community High School
Join the Warsaw Parks Department and the Performing Arts Center at Warsaw Community High School for a free family movie night featuring Frozen!
This free event is brought to you in partnership with the Performing Arts Center and OrthoPediatrics.
Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance
Friday, February 6, 2026 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 7, 2026 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion
Ages 3 - 14 | Registration is required
$20 per person. Tickets go on sale January 5. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Join us for a rockin’ good time at the Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Sock Hop! 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: Shop Smart Magazine
Imagination Station
Imagination Station
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Valentine’s 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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Bob Ross Paint Class | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | $50
Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6
Senior Paint Class | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | $6 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 17, 2026 | St. Patrick’s Day
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | Planet Earth
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 a different exciting theme for the kids. Don’t miss this fun opportunity!
Mommy & Son Dance
Friday, May 1, 2026 l 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion
Ages 3 - 14 | Registration is required
$20 per person. Tickets go on sale March 23. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Join us for a rockin’ good time at the Mommy & Son Sock Hop! 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!
