Park Foundation Signs Purchase Agreement
Syracuse Park Foundation approved signing the purchase agreement for property currently owned by the Syracuse Rotary Club during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night. The property will be purchased for $65,000 with the Laudeman family donating the funds. The new park will be named after the Laudeman family.
Board member Mike Buhrt asked if there are any plans for the property, approximately 6 acres. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent and executive director of the foundation, said the plan is to maintain the property as undeveloped green space. A committee will be formed to discuss possible uses of the property, but Jonsson said he would like to see it remain as natural as possible.
Buhrt provided an update on the trail committee. Work along Syracuse Lake continues and will hopefully be completed soon.
The committee is also looking to partner with the Town of Syracuse on installing sidewalk on Harkless Drive to SR 13. Burht, Megan McClellan, the new director for the Syracuse Wawasee Trail Project, and Heather Harwood, director of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, met to discuss installing a trail on WACF property along SR 13.
Buhrt also told the foundation McClellan and the trail committee are working to formalize how the committee operates a bit more, such as how people join and what work the committee does. When that document is drawn up, a copy will be presented to the foundation board.
Jonsson presented a quote for $7,333.33 for an ice rink to be installed on the infield of the largest ball diamond at Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. The ice rink will be 100 by 104 feet. Water will be provided by a nearby well. If the weather cooperates and if done right, Jonsson said he can see people skating early evenings on weekends to music.
Work continues on the fitness room. Construction and painting are completed and the floor should be completed by the end of the week. New equipment will be delivered Monday. Jonsson told the foundation board the project is on schedule to be complete by the beginning of October.
Jerry Wright was approved as a member of the Syracuse Park Foundation board.