SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board learned the gazebo in Lakeside Park will have a new roof installed this week during its regular monthly meeting Monday night, April 11. The metal roof will be the same as the roof on the new pavilion.

Starting next week, concrete work will begin in front of the Syracuse Community Center with the concrete being replaced in front of the center’s entrance. A concrete walkway will also be installed from the sidewalk along Lakeside Park to the gazebo.

The board approved a contract with The Property Company to fertilize the parks this season. There was discussion as several board members were unhappy with how the parks looked last year.

Chad Jonsson, parks superintendent, explained last year a pelletized broad leaf weed control was used when a spray type would have been more appropriate. The specifications for this year’s bids included broad leaf weed control spray.

Jonsson also noted several companies he approached would rather have multi-year contracts rather than doing a year to year contract. Out of the nine companies he requested proposals from, only two bid on the contract.

The park board also approved a copier contract for $486 a year covering maintenance as well as black and white and color toner.

Jerry Riffle, tree board representative, reported 11 trees will be planted this spring while 11 are removed. Among those removed include seven silver maples, three red maples and one green ash.

The town has received its 15th Tree City USA award and its 12th Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Syracuse Garden Club has also donated funds to purchase a tree. This year’s Arbor Day tree will be planted in Henry Ward Park.

In other tree news Riffle noted he and Jonsson found several other trees that need to be removed including a number of “trash trees” and limbs located between the fence and Turkey Creek in Crosson Mill Park.

Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported the Easter egg hunts in Lakeside Park had about 250 kids participate, while the geocache egg hunt had about 50 participants. McLead noted there were a number of families that participated in the geocache hunt and turned in only one passport.
Upcoming events include the last family movie of the season “The Sandlot,” being shown at the community center at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15.

The mother son dance will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the community center. Tickets are $10 before the event and $12 the night of. Tickets may be purchased at Babes and Combs Hair Salon.

The last middle school dance will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 22.
A Pinterest party will be held at the Syracuse Community Center Tuesday, April 26. Registration deadline is Friday, April 22.

A mother son adventure will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. Mothers and sons will travel to destinations throughout the community and complete activities at each location. The event will begin at the Syracuse Community Center at 3 p.m. and end at Quaker Haven Camp between 5 and 6 p.m. for dinner. The fee is $20 for mothers. All sons are admitted free. To register, contact the Lakeland Youth Center at (574) 457-3055.

Registration is now open for the Mudtastic Run at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. The run will be held June 22.

The Artisans and Farmers Market will open for the season from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7. The kids market will be returning and there will also be art in the park where kids can do a free make and take it project.