Park Foundation Hears Updates
Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation board members heard updates on several projects during its Tuesday meeting.
Two quotes, one for equipment and the other for work to the building, were presented for the expansion of the fitness room located at the Syracuse Community Center. Combined, the two estimates would bring the project to almost $54,000.
Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson stated they had received a $40,000 grant from K21 to go toward the project and have a few options to cover the rest of the expenses, namely using funds available in the community center reserve fund or using money that is available to the parks department in a Kosciusko County Community Foundation endowment fund.
Jonsson also noted he is currently working with Chris Cotton to see if additional grant money would be available through insurance provider, Humana. A decision of procuring additional funds was placed on hold until the foundation hears from Humana.
The project is expected to start in August and finish in September.
Lights are working at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex, though the July 1 storm is requiring Middlebury Electric to come out and straighten a few light fixtures. Work also started Monday on the trail that goes around the complex with limestone being spread. Jonsson speculated work should be done this week.
Bleachers acquired from Wawasee Community School Corp. have also been set up at the complex and have been getting use with baseball season, which is wrapping up. Football conditioning at the complex will start a few weeks later.
Talks are still being conducted in regards to the purchase of Rotary Park. Jonsson stated they were turned down for a grant to purchase the property but are talking with the Rotary Club about possibly setting up a spaced out payment plan. He noted they could use the regular park fund to purchase the property, but he would prefer to have a way to replenish it prior to using it.
The park foundation board is also looking for new board members to expand for 2015. It is looking for individuals involved in the Syracuse area; there is no requirement board members have to live in Syracuse.
The park foundation’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Syracuse Community Center.