Enchanted Hills residents urge county help for aging lakeside playground; nonprofit formed to support improvements

Residents of the Enchanted Hills subdivision on Wawasee told the board during public comment that their neighborhood playground is dilapidated and that the unincorporated area lacks sidewalks, streetlights and other amenities that would make it safer and more attractive for families.

Deborah Lanning said the park, platted in 1974, has old equipment and that neighborhood volunteers have replaced walls and run events to raise funds for new playground equipment. “We have no park for these kids… Our equipment is very old, dated, dilapidated,” Lanning said, describing fundraising efforts including bingo nights, car shows and paint parties.

Bobby Beare said he leads Starry Dream Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed two years ago to support children’s projects; the group is partnering with neighborhood volunteers to raise money for playground equipment.

County staff present said Enchanted Hills is in the unincorporated part of Kosciusko County and suggested several potential avenues: county staff and the county-funded grant writer (Maycog/MACOG) can meet with the residents to review suitable grant programs (including private foundations the staff named such as the K21 Foundation, the local community foundation and the DECO Foundation) and to advise on whether the county could assist as applicant or provide technical support. Staff and board members emphasized the need to confirm property ownership and any legal constraints before committing public funds or county-led projects.

Residents provided the park address (11298 Northeast Wawasee Drive) and said they would welcome guidance on grant applications and next steps. County staff offered to connect residents with grant resources and to help explore options for funding and technical support.