SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board met for its regularly monthly meeting Monday evening, May 8. The board discussed upcoming events and reported on the success of past events that will be considered being implemented next year.

The meeting began with the Tour des Lakes presentation by Program Coordinator Tyler McLead. Regarding the feedback from riders last year, the plan will be to enhance the post-ride experience for participants. As most riders are adults, a beer tent was approved by the board to be set up on the patio in a fenced off area, potential music and the option to view the BMX bike show so bikers can grab a beer and relax from the ride. Tour des Lakes is expected to have close to 400 riders July 8.

While reviewing the finances, Jeff Nicodemus inquired about the money spent on the fountain to which Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson replied every year the seals and light bulbs are checked and replaced. The board approved of the claims with all in favor.

Jonsson reported Arbor Day was successful with the elementary school and many of the activities and games held in Lakeside Park were well received by the kids. The children were beyond excited to learn and plant trees. Eleven trees were planted for spring in a variety of places around town.

Syracuse received the Tree City USA Award for 2016, but did not receive the growth award for 2016. Some qualifications and standards for the growth award were changed but there is determination to receive the award for 2017.

Jonsson commented Pat Brown will be consulted to work on and update the master plan. The community center gym lights were replaced with LED lights a few weeks ago meaning the lighting is brighter. It will be viewed later to see if any money will be saved on switching to LED lights.

The Lakeside Park restroom ideas were put back together but have yet to be turned on. The water in the restrooms will be switched on later in the week to observe if there are any plumbing or technical issues. A basic construction idea and tentative timeline for the restroom project will be discussed in the upcoming months though the idea will be that new construction will begin in 2018.

The concession stand building is still being thrown around with various ideas for the future. The athletic complex fields look well for the upcoming sports programs.

The princess tea party was a successful program with both sessions completely filled. Positive feedback was generously received which means the program will be considered for next spring.

The Pitch, Hit, Run was also hosted at the Harold Shrock Athletic Complex which concentrated on baseball skills. Seventeen kids participated for the first year, though the weather was cold and dreary. Ten of the 17 kids moved onto the sectional competition in Fort Wayne. There are plans for another Pitch, Hit, Run next year.

Touch-A-Truck had a successful turnout where children were able to sit in various vehicles, honk horns and learn about safety. They interacted with firefighters and police officers. Next year, a monster truck and military vehicles will hopefully make an appearance.

Judo and pickleball continue on the regular schedule.

Artisans and farmers market will begin May 13, with new and returning vendors. Ten dates for music will be booked for summer Saturdays.

Art in the Park will begin alongside the market as well from June 10 to July 29, with a free make a craft program for kids from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kids will have the opportunity to sell their own original crafts and creations in the Kids Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second Saturday, June through September.

Lakeside Park will be a serving location for the Wawasee summer lunch program. Lunches will be served from noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 5 to July 28, excluding July 3-4. Lunches will be served by employees from the school. The free lunch is for kids 18-years-old and younger.

Registration for the Mudtastic Classic is now open. Registration can take place at the community center or online. The deadline for the T-shirt registration will be June 9. There has been an increase in sponsorships for the program.

For more details, questions or registration call the community center at (574) 457-3440. The next scheduled park board meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 12.