The Syracuse Park Board learned there was considerable storm damage to the parks during the Nov. 17 storm that hit Syracuse.

Park superintendent Chad Jonsson reported two trees in Henry Ward Park fell. One came up by the roots while the other split and landed on the boardwalk breaking a decorative light. A roof on one of the dug outs at the youth complex was ripped off by the wind and some of the fascia at the community center was damaged as well.

Jonsson reported the insurance adjuster has been out to survey the damage and the park department has cleaned up what it can.

In happier news, the board learned two saucer magnolia’s have been planted in Lakeside Park. Saucer magnolias have been hard to find in the past.

A first attempt by Wawasee High School to take cuttings from the magnolia trees and have them possibly root into new trees failed. However, plans are in the works to make a second attempt.

Jerry Riffle, tree board representative, reported the street department will be doing in-house tree removal. He then went through each park and which trees need to be removed.

The Syracuse Tree Board is also pulling information together for the National Arbor Day’s Tree City USA and Growth Awards. That report is due at the end of the month.

In the department reports, Jonsson reported he participated in a phone meeting with Mike Buhrt, committee chair; Marsha Carey, grant writer and Michiana Area Council of Governments about the Indiana Department of Transportation Grant. The decision was made to apply for the grant when proposals are requested later this spring.

All property owners on Northshore and Eastshore drives are being informed about the proposal to finish the trail by Memorial Day 2014.

McLead reported registration for the adult basketball league is underway until Jan. 3. Games start Jan. 12 and the cost is $275 per team to register. Games will be held Sunday afternoons.

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