Chad Jonsson, Syracuse parks superintendent, gave the department report to the parks and recreation Board Monday, Feb. 8. An update on the five-year master plan, a park vehicle and future expenditures were topics of discussion.

The five-year master plan priority list is still in the review process at Michiana Area Council of Governments. Jonsson reported he has been corresponding with the MACOG office and has not received a final report.

After careful consideration, the board approved a budget of $10,000 to be used for the purchase of a parks department vehicle. The superintendent plans to test drive several cars in the coming week and asked the funding be approved to make the purchase when a suitable vehicle has been found. The members unanimously agreed to the allocation of funds.

The board was presented three comparable quotes for a printer needed at the community center office. Jonsson expressed the current office equipment is showing signs of aging and believes it would be beneficial to consider purchasing a new copier with a contracted agreement for service and maintenance. Vice president Kip Schumm suggested the printer be serviced before a decision is made for a contract agreement. Schumm would like to see if minor maintenance would improve the printing quality.

In an effort to celebrate the state bicentennial, Jonsson presented the members with information for the purchase of a ground-mounted, 8 foot torch, replicating the state symbol. The torch is a product of Herman’s Christmas Land, Pierceton, which has partnered with Bicentennial Marketplace for the 2016 state celebration. The emblem is constructed of powder coated steel and lit with LED rope light for night time viewing. The cost of the torch is $500. A comparable model is available, standing 5 feet without lighting for mounting on a pole or wall. The price for the 5 foot model is $250.

The board agreed the torch would be a decorative piece that could be placed in a variety of locations, however, they would like to explore options for funding the cost. Private donors and community clubs were suggested as potential sponsors for the project.

Tyler McLead, parks program director, announced upcoming community events at Syracuse Community Center. As a result of warmer temperatures, Wawasee Kiwanis Club snowmobile races have been cancelled for the Winter Carnival Saturday, Feb. 13, however, the downtown events will continue as scheduled.

The next middle school dance will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.

Wawasee Kiwanis Trivia Night is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 3, and the cabin fever garage sale will be opened 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5. All events will be held at Syracuse Community Center located at 1013 N. Long Drive.

Pinterest parties return 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. Participants will make a trendy hand-painted wooden sign. The cost is $20 per class or $60 for all four classes. Payment is due at the time of registration. The remaining Pinterest events are as follows: March 22, burlap and bird nest spring wreath, April 26, pendant necklaces and May 24, faux mercury glass. For more information about program events go to the park website at www.syracusein.org or call the Syracuse Community Center office at (574) 457-3440.