Park Foundation Under Reorganization
Reorganizing the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee topped the Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation’s meeting, Feb. 19. Park Foundation board member Mike Buhrt presented a plan for the committee’s reorganization. The previously organized trail committee has not met for months since the departure of Spike Ford.
Buhrt’s plan calls for the committee to be under the direction of the park foundation, rather than split off into a separate not-for-profit like the Friends of the Pumpkin Vine Trail had to since they were working with different cities.
“After going over everything, I don’t think we need to form a separate not-for-profit,” Buhrt said. “It’s a better plan to stay under the direction of the parks.”
Since the committee is under the park foundation, the board will have the final say on committee decisions and the acceptance of committee members; they will also have the opportunity to change Buhrt’s plan if needed in the future.
The plan calls for seven to 13 people to comprise the committee, and board members discussed ways to get different organizations involved in the committee, including the different lake associations.
It was noted during the meeting that the plan would help with getting grants for the trail since a lot of grants require certain documentation.
The plan was approved by the board members, who also recommended setting an introduction to the trails meeting to reach out to organizations, like the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club and lake associations, to potentially get involvement for the committee. A tentative date of March 19 was set up.
During the meeting, Chad Jonsson also gave an update on the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex, stating work is being done in the bathrooms currently. It was noted the fields are ready for use, though the dugouts still need completed.
Jonsson stated a work day is planned for April 18 at the sports complex with a dedication tentatively set for May on a date open for donors to attend.
Next park foundation meeting is set for March 26 at the Syracuse Community Center.