SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board discussed tree maintenance and spring cleaning around the community center during its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 14. Jerry Riffle, Syracuse Tree Board representative, reported 11 trees will be planted this spring.

So far the parks department has received only one quote for trees. One issue is many of the trees the town wants to plant, nurseries don’t have.

Along with planting trees, several park trees need to be removed, including two big cottonwoods in Henry Ward Park and a large hackberry tree in Crosson Mill Park has to be taken down due to a large crack in it.

Arbor Day is April 29. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported a location for the tree still needed to be found and suggested Henry Ward Park. Syracuse Garden Club donated $100 for the purchase of a tree.

Jonsson provided a quote for possibly replacing the front doors of the community center. Kip Schumm, board vice president, said something needs to be done as the wood frame around the door needs constant maintenance. It was suggested Jonsson see what it would cost to have the door frames stripped and re-stained.

Also planned is to have the concrete in front of the community center replaced. The work is expected to be done by the end of March, or first part of April. A concrete walkway to the gazebo in Lakeside Park will also be done and the roof of the gazebo will be replaced by mid-April.

A location for the bicentennial torch is being sought somewhere on the community center property. Jonsson said the issue is putting it where people can see it, but where it won’t distract drivers.

Jonsson provided new paperwork for fertilizer and lawn care. The specifics are laid out in a clearer format. The bid specifications will be sent to local contractors and those who have inquired from Warsaw, Goshen and Columbia City.

Schumm asked about having blue and gold flowers for the bicentennial. Jonsson said he and Donna Workman are already discussing several ideas. Schumm also asked about the seawall at Crosson Mill. Jonsson reported Henry DeJulia, town manager, is looking at prices to repair the wall.

Jeff Nicodemus, board member, asked about Hoys Beach. Jonsson said the plan is to work on fixing the seawall there and doing beautification work this summer.

In upcoming events, the community center will host a family movie night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18. The movie will be “Hop.” Those attending should bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on.

The annual Easter egg hunt will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, in Lakeside Park. The hunt is for children in fifth grade and below. Children will have a chance to have their photos taken with the Easter bunny, interact with clowns Clarabelle and Pipsqueak and enjoy lunch in the community center.

Exploration geocache hunt will be from March 21-28. Ten eggs will be hidden. Participants will be given passports with GPS coordinates to the first egg. All participant passports must be turned in by 8 p.m. March 28 to be eligible for the prize drawing.

The next Pinterest party will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. This month’s project is burlap and bird nest spring wreaths. Cost is $20. Call the park department at (574) 457-3440 to register.

Questions regarding public easements for piers should be directed to the Syracuse Police Department at (574) 457-5333.