The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 7, Milford, Kosciusko County, 28 March 1990 — Page 60

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PROGRESS EDITION — Wed., March 28,1990

North Webster offers recreational opportunities

More recreational opportunities have become available to North Webster residents lately, thanks to some recent Park Board projects at the city park. The biggest project culminated at the end of last summer when the park shelter was completed. With the help of volunteer labor, the park board was able to construct the building with a minimum of cost. The total cost of the building was about $4,500. “When you think of a 1,200 square foot facility for $4,500, we think that’s a worthwhile expenditure,” said Park Board President Howard Ziegler. Town residents welcomed the building with open arms. The facility was in constant use even before it was completed. “It’s had a tremendous amount of use,” Ziegler said. “Much more than anticipated.” When the electrical wiring is finally connected to the closest utility pole, the shelter will be even more attractive to the general public. Ziegler said the park board hopes to bring music to the park through use of the facility. “We are going to have some kind of musical programs at the shelter house on most Thursdays, ’' he said. The park board has made other improvements to the park in addition to the building of the shelter. Sidewalks were added to the park last spring and more will be added this summer. More landscaping is planned and playground equipment from the park behind the fire station will be moved to the city park area at Webster Lake. An old rowboat has been restored and will serve as an onshore toy for the kids to play with. The city park beach area is maintained by the park board’s efforts. Sand has to be im-

Aa 2 riffith ’ s JR 7 wawasee ■ FAMILY OWNED AND IHQM|I() OPERATED SINCE 1946 111(11 111(1 I OUTBOARDS I Correct Craft. Flnteßrrtf ) on the water, of the vMxki wftr 1425 - HARRIS k EEHHEESEI FtoteDeß ind _ 856-2286 Sales A•• V-® Service L X VY, MORRISON ISLAND C+rirriAO rd.no. ioson *Jlvzl VI yc ROUTE 2, SYRACUSE

ported for the beach on a consistent basis. “It’s obviously a constant maintenance situation because sand moves around,” Ziegler said. The city park isn’t- the only attraction North Webster has to offer. The annual Mermaid Festival is a popular event which draws upwards of 50,000 people for the festivities. The activities include a huge parade, judging of bands, a queen contest, and a cutie contest. The festival, sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club, is held in the last full week of June. For people who love water recreation, the North Webster Ski Bees stay busy during the warm months with their show ski team. Adults and youngsters alike enjoy participating in this high speed sport. On the commercial end of things, North Webster supports a number of businesses. The local chamber of commerce has had as many as 90 members from the business world. The chamber of commerce interacts with the community in many ways. It provides seating for Mermaid Festival spectators on an annual basis, and it donated SI,OOO to the construction of the city park shelter. The chamber of commerce also donates money toward the repair, maintenance and purchase of Christmas lights for the town. In addition, the chamber somehow convinces Santa Claus to take time out of his busy December schedule and pose for pictures at the International Palace of Sports. Summer may be the most active time, because of recreation opportunities around the lakes. But the various organizations of North Webster try to make sure residents have some sort of activity to look forward to on a year-round basis.

V * , "'~7 T : * x VW S' I IB I i /’M y v \ c l I / Hix B i A w<S- JT mm IF aSmK 1 n| 'A -"A. * X v >•;. t. MAIN STREET — This picture shows North Webster’s Main Street on a snowy February day. This small town of approximately 700 people gets more active in the warmer months when summer residents return to town and increase the population. (Photo by Mitchell Stinson.)

*n., 1 ILF —•*■ ' Em mi J * wSpWSI'- ' u ’ "■ --- ' LAKE VIEW — North Webster’s Washington Street is the site of this scenic winter view of Webster Lake. The lake is used for a number of recreation purposes, including show ski exhibitions by the North Webster Ski Bees. (Photo by Mitchell Stinson)

Griffith's Wawasee Marina is a family operated business

Griffith's Wawasee Marina is a family owned and operated business which has been servicing the needs of boaters in this area for 44 years. Located on Morrison Island Road on the southeast side of Lake Wawasee, Griffith's is operated by Terry, Dan and Lisa Griffith. The Griffiths assumed the responsibility of operating the marina in 1977. Prior to that, their parents, Larry and Rosie Griffith, had been at the helm since purchasing the business from Ross Greenwait in 1946. Griffith’s handles name brand boats with outstanding reputations in the boating industry. Included in these are Boston Whaler, Correct Craft, Harris Flote-Bote and Mercury outboards. The marina has had the Mercury Outboard franchise since 1944 and obtained the Correct Craft franchise in 1951, making them one of the oldest dealers in the world for both. Griffith’s has carried the Harris lines since 1976 and the Unsinkable Boston Whaler since 1983 The marina also handles Trailmaster trailers. In 1987, Terry was asked to join the Correct Craft Dealer Advisory Council because of the years of experience and exposure that the Griffith family has had with the Correct

Craft line. The council consists of six dealers from each warehouse region around the country. He not only represents Griffith’s but 35 other dealers from the Midwest region and is the only council member to ever be reappointed by his constituents. Griffith's Wawasee Marina is open yearround. The firm not only offers sales and service but also offer winter storage, in and out service in the summer, slip rentals, gasoline and a concession stand. The marina also has a fully stocked parts and accessory department. Griffith’s winter hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The summer hours for the marina are 8 a m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. The new 1990 s are now arriving at Griffith’s Wawasee Marina. The store also has a large selection of used equipment ready to go for the upcoming spring season. Griffith family has made some changes in the sales and service department and the owners ex tend an open invitation to the public to stop in and see what is happening in the ’9os at Griffith’s.