The Syracuse Park Board met at Laudeman Park Monday, July 8, for its regular meeting. Shown clockwise from left are Jeff Nicodemus, Paul Newcomer, Darin Lursen, Chad Jonsson, Janell Lehman and Carol Koble. The park board holds its meetings in local parks during the spring, summer and fall. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Park Board continued its practice of holding its regular meetings in town parks Monday night, July 8. The board met in Laudeman Park, 300 W. Wildwood St., Syracuse.

The board received an update on work being done at Henry Ward Park on Medusa Street. The playground installation is complete and has been getting a lot of use in the last few weeks.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, noted a new plaque for the park as well as a new rule sign still need to be installed. David Johnston, former park board member, was in town for the Fourth of July holiday. He reached out to Jonsson to say he was happy with the progress in the park.

Jonsson noted Laudeman Park has trails that are mowed every week. The park boasts wildflower gardens which are currently in full bloom. There are three butterfly gardens that are being developed. Jonsson told the board future plans include installing a pavilion in one corner by the pond.

Board member Jeff Nicodemus noted some areas of the wildflower gardens seem spotty. Jonsson explained the park department used different seed mixes. Paul Newcomer, board president, noted flowers bloom at different times during the season.

Advisor Carol Koble asked if anyone uses the park, which is a bit off the beaten path. Jonsson said several people come down to walk the trails on their lunch hour.

Nicodemus asked about groups or organizations making butterfly boxes. Jonsson noted the projects are out there and he’s reached out to area scouts and the welding class at Wawasee High School, but no one has jumped on the idea yet.

Newcomer noted with the wide open space, installing blue bird boxes would also be a good idea.

Jonsson brought up a request from the Syracuse Town Council regarding parking fees for nonresidents. He did do some research on some apps that were available, but wondered how to regulate it

Newcomer stopped Jonsson saying “It’s opening a can of worms,” he said. Koble pointed out she doesn’t live within the town limits. “When those people come into our community they spend money here,” she said.

Newcomer said the idea has been discussed before and put aside several times over the years.

“They don’t charge to park on the town’s streets,” Nicodemus pointed out.

Darin Lursen, program director, reported 234 people participated in this year’s Mudtastic.

Yoga is being held Monday through Friday with double digits attending Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The class will be held inside the community center for the remainder of the summer.

Already 300 people have registered for the Tour des Lakes which takes place July 20. Over 400 are expected to participate.

A beginners pickleball class is being offered from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the community center. So far three people have attended, but Lursen said there’s been more interest.

The townwide garage sales will be Aug. 1-3. Already 10 people have registered, with more expected as the regsitration deadline approaches.

Registrations are still being taken for the Family Campout in Lakeside Park Sept. 6 into Sept. 7. Cost is $5 per peson.

Koble complimented the flowers at Syracuse Town Hall saying “They’re the best they’ve been in years.”