Syracuse Park Foundation learned Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, will be applying for a K21 Foundation grant to help with the expansion of the fitness room at the Syracuse Community Center during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Jonsson explained he wants to remove the wall between the fitness center and the computer room, making the fitness room bigger. A smaller alcove into the existing fitness room will be converted into a computer room. Jonsson told the board the fitness room is getting more use than the computer room and having more room means seniors won’t have to wait as long to use the equipment.

The application deadline for the grant is May 1. Jonsson is seeking $60,000 to help with the expansion.

Jonsson also reviewed progress on a number of projects. Concrete for Eastshore Drive has been poured as part of the completion for the Syracuse Lake Trail. He and Mike Buhrt, trail project chair, have met with residents to discuss a variety of issues.

The application for a grant for the SR 13 section needs to be to Michiana Council of Governments by April 28 and the final draft to the Indiana Department of Transportation by May 12.

Work is continuing in the purchase of Rotary Park. Jonsson is still working on raising funds. Several grant applications for the park were turned down. Board member Amy Rensberger asked Jonsson how he saw the park developed. Jonsson said he would like to see it remain green space with maybe a small picnic pavilion.

The park foundation board is still looking for new members. Buhrt has spoken to a few people who might be interested and Jonsson received a phone call from a school teacher expressing interest.

(For a more in-depth account of the meeting, see today’s issue of The Mail-Journal.)