Syracuse Park Board Delays Naming Complex
After some discussion the Syracuse Park Board chose to table making a decision on naming the Syracuse Youth Athletic Complex until the full board could be present during its regular monthly meeting.
Board president Dave VanLue and board member Jason Traycoff were absent from the meeting.
The matter was brought up during Chad Jonsson’s park superintendent report on work at the park. He told the park board the Syracuse Youth Athletic Complex committee has discussed naming the park based on a significant donation made to the complex.
“The complex committee has no problem at all (in fulfilling the request),” said Dick Pelletier, a complex committee member. Board member Shirley Connelly made a motion to name the complex. Kip Schumm, vice president of the board, called for a second. After a pause he seconded the motion and opened the floor for discussion.
After some discussion between Pelletier and park board members, Schumm suggested tabling the discussion until VanLue and Traycoff could be present. Advisor Carol Koble told Schumm, “It’s always good to have a full board to make these types of decisions.”
Jonsson reported there has been steady progress at the youth complex. The exteriors of the both the concession stand and maintenance building were done. Plumbing and electrical for both buildings had been roughed in and dry wall and OSB had been delivered for the walls and ceilings.
The infields have been leveled and backstops set up. The sprinkler system is 98 percent installed on the football field. NIPSCO has installed the transformer for three-phase power.
A pump has been ordered to take sewage from both buildings to the water/sewer main and the football goal posts have arrived.
Work continues on scoreboards for both football and baseball fields. Wawasee Kiwanis is organizing a work day starting between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday. Anyone interested in helping is welcome to join the Kiwanians.
In department reports it was noted community center usage is down by 500 from last year. Jonsson noted there had been a lot of room rentals last year.
Jonsson reported the trail project had the section of trail out to Cornelius and Eli Lilly roads complete and were looking at a few spots on Northshore and Eastshore drives to complete.
Lake Area Community Band will hold a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, in Lakeside Park. This concert is part of an agreement between the LACB and Syracuse Town Council.
Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported there are nine weeks left in the Farmers and Artisans Market. Adrian Frailey will be performing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the market Sept. 1 and 8.
In new business Riffle wondered if there was any interest in holding a strategic planning retreat on a Saturday morning.
For a complete accounting of the Syracuse Park Board, see this week’s issue of The Mail-Journal.