By Sandy Greer

Monday evening the Syracuse Park Board met outside, at the Harold Shrock Athletic Complex for their monthly meeting.

During the meeting several members of the board expressed to Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, they were pleased with the improvements to the athletic complex. One member said, “The park looks really good.” Others in attendance agreed that the results were great.

Jonsson added he would like to utilize the grass area, on the north side of the complex, by adding an ice rink. He believes it would provide for a “relatively large rink” without damaging the grass. Water from the overflow would be used instead of using the city’s metered lines.

In other department news, Jonsson reported the painting has been finished on the Lakeside Park gazebo, and has already been used for a private event. He is still accumulating quotes for the repairs to the pavilion roof. The community center fitness room renovations were delayed slightly, but are now “moving right along.”

Jonsson continued with an update on the donors lighthouse provided by AIA. Some minor adjustments will be made before the structured is installed. Trim will be added to the front of the lighthouse and mounting-hardware to the back. This is expected to be completed within the next 10 days. The community center will then install the finished lighthouse in the lobby area.

In other business, some members expressed a couple of concerns regarding the Laudeman Park project. Jonsson was asked if restricted access to the pond is necessary. The superintendent explained a safety and warning sign similar to that at Hoy’s Beach would be posted. Another member asked if there would be a need for more help with maintaining the area.

Jonsson expressed he is looking at keeping the area as natural as possible, which is expected to help lower the cost of maintenance. Jonsson added he is considering collaborations with volunteers and local groups for future Laudeman Park projects.

Discussions about materials for the hitching post were continued. Jonsson reported to the board he had discussed options for building materials with a local hardware. He concluded metal pipe would be the most economical and practical material to use for constructing and relocating, if necessary.

In a final note Jonsson added chains for the handicap swing, which was helped purchased by Girl Scout Troop 00148, has arrived and is planned to be installed by the end of fall.

Tyler McLead, program coordinator, announced upcoming events in the program report. The Artisans and Farmer’s Market will continue weekly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Oct. 8 will be the last day for the Wednesday market, and Oct. 11 will conclude the season. Fall Harvest Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Lakeside Park. Several activities for children and adults are planned for the day. Included are activities for children, family entertainment and musical performances.

The Haunted Thrill at Crosson Mill will be open 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 23 to 25, and Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill. This year, the department has incorporated Halloween night to the schedule and again will have volunteers from the high school choir.

McLead ended by reporting the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will offer a pictorial presentation on the hotels of Syracuse at 11 a.m. Saturday. Sept. 20.