SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board began its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. The board reviewed the priority list put together in regards to the master plan of the parks department, commenting on what may need quicker attention and what could be pushed back.

Priority listing was put together by consensus unless there was something that couldn’t be decided on, to which Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson then made the determining decision as he knows what the parks need the most. The list was broken into three sections of first, second and third priority. As the master plan will work in three-year increments first priorities will be spread from 2018-2020, secondary priorities will be from 2021-2023, and third priorities will be implemented after 2023.

The floor opened for discussion about the placement of some priorities, the board sorting through them and deciding where to move some of the projects on the list. The priority time lines aren’t set in stone, allowing flexibility for the parks department to work with. Most top priorities included park improvements, removals and replacements with things such as playgrounds and rest room buildings. Secondary priorities included less prominent issues and more developmental park additions such as paved walkways, shade areas and drinking fountains.

Issues like funding and budgeting will play a factor in where projects will be placed on the list and when they’ll be worked on. The next step will be to separate the priorities into specific years and put the cost beside each one for the board to evaluate if a project can be moved up or pushed back a year based on the money available.

Jonsson presented a rest room and pavilion design for Lakeside Park, providing the board an idea of what the building would look like, adding the current building may be removed for cheaper than expected. The hope is to have the new building done by Memorial Day in 2018.

The board discussed playground mulch options at great length, debating whether or not it would be beneficial to use certified rubber mulch as it would last longer or stay with natural wood chips. Mulch is imperative to have on playgrounds as it serves as a safety buffer when kids fall.

The board debated, wondering if they should test the rubber mulch in one park. Donna Workman explained that, from her experience, rubber mulch negatively impacted the plants after using it. She questioned if the chemicals were still present and if they would cause harm to the parks. Dave VanLue commented the rubber may be good in the future but natural mulch is necessary at the moment. The board approved of natural mulch in the parks.

Yoga Kids, aged 3-6, continues Wednesdays until Oct. 25.

The next Pinterest party will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 16. Participants will be painting canvas and adding buttons to their creation.

The indoor garage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Vendor booths are sold out.

Haunted Thrill at Veterans Memorial Park will be 7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 27-28 and 31. Entry will be $5 per person.

The fall carnival will be hosted at the community center from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28, which will include games, crafts, a costume contest and a bounce house.

“Cars 3” will be playing at the first free movie night at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Concessions will be available for purchase.