Trees were the main topic of discussion during the regular monthly meeting of the Syracuse Park Board Monday night.

In reviewing the financial report, board president Dave VanLue asked how many trees were removed for $2,700. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, and Jerry Riffle, tree board representative, explained two large trees were removed. The removal was paid for with $2,500 encumbered from 2012.

Riffle also reported the tree board is looking for sites to plant a minimum of 10 trees this spring. The tree board is also looking at trees that need to be removed. So far four have been identified.

Arbor Day will be celebrated April 26 with two trees planted at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex.

Trees may be planted in Henry Ward Park to replace some that were removed. Riffle said it depended on how much space was available after the new sign was installed.

The Syracuse Wawasee Trail Project made approximately $18,700 from a holiday mailer. Last month the trail committee, along with representatives from several local organizations, met to hear a presentation from the president of the Friends of the Pumpkinvine, a trail system in Elkhart County. The speaker talked about how it developed the trail system and partnered with other organizations and agencies.

Work continues in the restrooms at the athletic complex. Bathroom fixtures were donated, but a few urinals, toilets and partitions still have to be purchased.

Work continues in the concession stand and Chris and Tammy Cotton, of Wawasee Pee Wee Football, are currently looking for equipment for the concession stand.

Repairs on the veterans memorial clock are scheduled for Wednesday and possibly Thursday depending on the weather. A new motor will be installed. Jonsson told the park board all four clock faces will be removed to complete the work.

A cabin fever garage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2.

A more in-depth account of the park board meeting appears in today’s edition of The Mail-Journal.