The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee discussed several projects at the Monday, July 16 meeting. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Tom Edington, Matthew Bochard and Audra Brooks. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

SYRACUSE — Work on the new Syracuse-Webster Road Trail began this week, the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee heard Monday evening, July 16. Work on the new trail is occurring on the south end of the new trail first.

The work began Tuesday, July 17. Several stakes have been installed along the trail’s route. However, stressed Executive Director Megan McClellan, “Stakes will measure the (trail’s) elevation, but will not determine where the trail will actually be.”

There’s still an easement issue, but Chairman Kay Young said, “We have some time.”

Plans for the Conklin Bay project are moving along. McClellan presented a 173-page bid package. Earth Source designed and will oversee the project. No cost has been determined yet, but Earth Source charges hourly.

The board members discussed way to save money on the project. One way to save money is to use two contractors, as opposed to one, as originally planned. However, using two contractors could make the construction more lengthy.

“We don’t want to slow it down either,” expressed Young.

“I’d rather use one contractor,” added McClellan.

The committee voted to use just one contractor and do one project, not two projects. The committee is overseeing the construction of a boardwalk, as well as a cement trail. McClellan can now request bids from contractors.

In maintenance news, mileage marker signs were discussed. The signs, located along the Syracuse Lake trail, have been moved already. Volunteers will be adding signs to the sides of the existing posts to make it easier to see them. Dr. Erick Leffler worked on the signs, along with Adam Richardson, who will help by getting prices on several new signs.

A good turnout was reported for Tour des Lakes that was Saturday, July 14.

“We had a great Tours des Lakes,” said Chairman Kay Young.

There were 350 riders with 294 pre-registering for the annual event.

“It was successful, and we had good feedback. The whole community really pulled together,” said McClellan.

The next Tour des Lakes will be the third Saturday in July. A wrap-up meeting for this year’s event will be Monday, July 23.

Dr. Tom Edington gave the treasurer’s report. June’s donations totaled $44,046 and expenses totaled $6,367.89. The large donation came from the Dekko Foundation and is for the Conklin Bay project.

Tails and Trails will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27. The dog-walking fundraiser will include a raffle, costume contest for the dogs and a walk. Cost is $5 per dog. The event will start and end at the Syracuse Community Center and includes a walk around Syracuse Lake.

In other news,

• Weekly walks and yoga are at 9 a.m. Thursdays, beginning at the Syracuse library.

• Syracuse Lake Association breakfast is at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Syracuse Community Center.

• Oakwood Car Show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Oakwood Resort.

• Fall trail counts will be in September.

• Volunteer of the Month is Matthew Bochard, who was given the honor because he helped with Tour des Lakes.

The next meeting date is 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, at the trail’s office, 801 N. Huntington St.