Syracuse Parks Board Approves New Pavilion
Syracuse Parks and Recreation board approved a proposal for the construction of a new pavilion at Lakeside Park during its meeting Monday. Other items on the agenda included updates on the new utility vehicle and programming.
Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson presented members with quotes. Borkholder Building and Supplies of Nappanee offered the demolition and removal of the existing pavilion in their price of $21,647.37. The cost will be covered with a grant and appropriations from the department budget. Another feature Borkholder included in the quote is a 48-foot cupola with windowed sides and a weather vane. Borkholder offers a variety of color options and the choice of steel or vinyl materials with a minimal price difference. Board members agreed to accept the bid.
Jonsson will begin arranging a time line for demolition and construction that will not disrupt park events. He reported the approximate time needed to complete the project is expected to be within four to six weeks. Tentatively, pavilion space will not be available for rent from July 13 to the end of August.
In other department projects the new utility vehicle is presently at the Leesburg dealership. It is expected to be delivered soon with the self powered broom attached.
Before concluding his report, Jonsson briefly mentioned the need to update the park master plan, suggesting the board members consider new projects they would like to add. The board will continue to explore ideas for planning.
Tyler McLead presented the program reports stating approximately 125 to 150 children attended the Kids Safety Day May 2. The program director was pleased with the Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market season opening Saturday. Kids Market had one participant who sold handmade jewelry. Kids Market will be held once a month 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the second Saturday, in conjunction with the farmer’s market.
Art in the Park is a make and take craft program free for children to participate in during market hours. Arts in the Park will begin 10 a.m. to noon, May 30, and will continue weekly through Aug. 29. The Artisans and Farmers Market it located at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill, Syracuse.
Upcoming events include the Syracuse Cruise-In 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, downtown Syracuse.
Wawasee Kiwanis Car Show is scheduled 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.
The inaugural Mudtastic Classic will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 27, at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Education Center. Those wishing to participate can register at the Syracuse Community Center or online at www.runreg.com/mudtasticclassic for a nominal fee or visit www.syracusein.org to download information and registration form. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Fees are $20 per adult, ages 15 and older. Fee for children ages 7 to 14 is $10 per child. Participants must register by June 12 to receive a T-shirt.
This is not a timed event.