Syracuse Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson brought up the Lakeside Park concession stand/restrooms during the Syracuse Park Board’s regular meeting Monday, March 13, asking for board members thoughts on whether the structure should be replaced or rehabbed.

In addition to being an “eyesore,” it was noted the structure’s location made it unappealing for parents to send their children to from the beach. Located along East Northshore Drive, there is also the concern of increased traffic in the summer. Additionally, it is not easily handicap accessible from the beach.

One suggestion has been to attach a new structure to the existing pavilion. Jonsson noted some are concerned smell might be an issue; however, that has not been the case with the restrooms at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

If a new concession stand/restrooms went up, Jonsson said it would be done this coming winter so there would be no impact on summer park visitors.

As for the existing structure, board members wondered if it could be used as storage for equipment. Another idea was to use its slab to create a pit stop for trail users.

Jonsson will continue to research prices and whether sewer utilities could be feasibly attached to a new structure at the pavilion. Options will likely be presented prior to the Syracuse Town Council’s July budget meeting.

Program Director Tyler McLead shared several events that will be occurring during the spring and summer. The next Pinterest Party will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10. The last middle school dance will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7, with the flashlight egg hunt for grades five through eight occurring after the dance at 9 p.m. The Easter egg hunt for grades five and under will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8.

Other events included the Princess Tea Party — Saturday, April 22; Pitch Hit & Run — Saturday, April 29; Touch A Truck — Saturday, May 6; Artisans and Farmers Market — Saturdays from May 13 to Oct. 14; and the Mudtastic Classic — Saturday, June 24.

Also during the meeting:

• The park board awarded a two-year contract to The Property Company for fertilization and weed control in the parks.
• Work continues at Laudeman Park with public works workers cleaning up brush around the pond.
• Syracuse Elementary third-graders will have their annual Arbor Day activities Friday, April 28, at Lakeside Park.