The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board approved its 2024 proposed budget last night. Pictured from left are Superintendent Chad Jonsson, Jeff Nicodemus, and President Paul Newcomer. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board approved its 2024 proposed budget at its meeting Monday night, June 12.

The budget was submitted by Superintendent Chad Jonsson.

The proposed budget is $210,550. This does not include the park staff’s salaries. Syracuse Town Council will hear the budget matter, and look at the appropriated salaries, at its next meeting.

The 2023 budget was $628,680, including staff salaries.

Jonsson gave the tree board report. Two magnolia trees have been planted at Lakeside Park. Jonsson noted he purchased six trees, which were hard to find but “we were able to find some.” Four trees are left and are being kept at the tree nursery so “we can use them in the future.”

He said the board is working on developing a list of trees for removal and maintenance for the season.

Jonsson gave an update on Schrock Fields. He said games are being played on the new fields.

“We’ve installed the rules signs and a welcome sign will be installed in a couple of weeks,” he noted. “Fields are in decent shape.”

He said he hopes to install the football field’s goal posts and netting soon and practices will start toward the end of July. Two concrete pads for bleachers need to be poured and “a lot of other little things.” He said mowing will be started soon with the parks department’s new mower.

Plans for Henry Ward Park pavilion and restroom project are coming along. Jonsson said he received the architect’s state release. However, a building permit needs to be obtained first. Due to it being used by the public, the variance will need to go before the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 15.

If approved, he can get a county permit, and he hopes to have power by Aug. 1, once the project is completed.

The facilities improvement committee is looking at several projects.

“We’ve looked at a couple of facilities,” Jonsson said, adding, “to figure out what our next projects will be.”

A new roof for the Syracuse Community Center is needed. Jonsson said he looked into American Rescue Plan Act for funding, but was not able to secure one.

The town has the ARPA funds, said Jonsson. The estimate for the metal roof is $115,000.

Jonsson gave the program report. The Tour des Lakes bike ride will be Saturday, July 15. Participants can register for one of the rides at www.tourdeslakes.com.

He said yoga in the park has groups meeting Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Cost is either $5 or $10 depending on the session. If it rains, classes are held in the community center.

The Mudtastic Classic is this Saturday, June 17. The first group starts at 9 a.m. Jonsson estimates over 200 people will take part in the event this weekend.

Town-wide garage sales will be the first weekend in August. Registration is now open. Call (574) 457-3440.

A family camp out will be Aug. 25-26. This year, camping will be $5 per person and includes food and a movie.

Jonsson gave the financial report from May 8 to June 12, and May’s financial report.

The board is seeking a new park board member due to the passing of Jamie Beer. Call the parks department if interested.

The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 10.