Syracuse Park Board Completes 2012 projects
The Syracuse Park Board reviewed the progress of several small projects it is currently working on during its regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee’s end of the year mailer has brought in approximately $14,000. At the next Syracuse Park Foundation, which will be held Jan. 22, a representative from the Friends of the Pumpkinvine, a trail system in Elkhart County, will make a presentation.
Dick Pelletier is working on grants for lights at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. All but four concrete pads have been poured, restroom fixtures are being installed and the batting cage has been boxed in and lights installed. A work day is being planned for April 13.
The new motor and clock hands for the clock at the Veteran’s Memorial in Crosson Mill Park have arrived. Jonsson is waiting to hear from an installer. Dave VanLue, park board president, asked about the clock’s warranty. Jonsson said it should be for 3 years.
Celebration Hall has 40 new chairs and park department staff have been using the recent slow time to get caught up on some things.
Jerry Riffle, tree board representative, reported trees will be planted this spring, but the sites haven’t been determined. Two trees were removed from Henry Ward Park. The park sign will be moved up to be more visible and there will be some plantings around it.
In 2012, 33 trees were planted, 12 were pruned and 16 were removed. The application for the Tree City USA and Grow Awards through the National Arbor Day Foundation has been turned in. Riffle said it looks like the town will qualify for both awards again this year.
Gary Green is the newest member of the Syracuse Tree Board. Riffle will hold a tree identification class on both hardwoods and conifers to park and street department personnel sometime in June.
In the program report, Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported Pickle Ball, Judo, Adult Basketball and Rock Solid are going well. Adult Basketball started Sunday, Jan. 13, and games will be held Sunday afternoons.
The Wawasee Soup Supper will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, with the Winter Carnival Dance from 9 p.m. to midnight. Music will be provided by 204 which specializes in Classic Rock. Tickets are on sale at the chamber office.
The snow drags will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, weather permitting.
VanLue asked about the new software. Jonsson explained some complications have arisen and staff are now looking at different software.
The board approved the non-reverting park budget of $13,500. The board also approved keeping VanLue as president and Kip Schumm as vice president for 2013.