Pictured from left are park board members Jerry Riffle, David Johnston and Carol Koble.

Syracuse Park Board met Monday evening, Sept. 10.

The meeting began with Erick Leffler requesting permission for Rotary Club to obtain an alcohol permit for the club’s fourth annual poker tournament. Last year’s tournament held 75 players and generated funds for the Rotary’s scholarship. The board approved Leffler’s request.

Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson reported a donation was received for the new LED sign in front of the community center. Jonsson added there seemed to be no issues when making requests for everything the parks department would want the sign to do. The sign is planned to be up and running around November, and will begin displaying ongoing activities and upcoming events at the community center.

The tree board made a request for 11 trees to be planted in a variety of locations in town this fall. Jonsson and Jerry Riffle walked through the parks to review and observe trees’ conditions and ensuring there were no dangerous spots.

Jonsson presented the board with two separate companies for a new phone system, one which combines phone and internet while the other is just the phone system. Making judgements from the price, what the community center’s needs are and their own experiences with the companies, the board motioned to go with only a new updated phone system through New Paris Telephone.

In his walks through the skate park, Jonsson has noticed the legs on the landing area of the ramps are rusting. Jonsson then contacted the company that had originally built the ramp to inquire if they would supply materials for a replacement. As the park has been present for 10 years and held up well, Jonsson plans to keep it in steady condition. With winter coming in the next few months, he plans on repairs being made in the spring.

Judo and pickleball continue on a weekly basis as well as the artisans and farmers market. Tuesday matinees at 1 p.m. continue to show movies every third Tuesday in the Kiwanis room.

Beginning fly fishing scheduled for Sept. 15 has been cancelled due to the instructor’s health related issues.

A free wildlife program will be available for kids kindergarten through eighth grade from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 29, at the community center. There will be an Eastern screech owl and a red-tailed hawk present.

Pinterest Parties will begin again, starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 17, at the community center. The next dates for Pinterest Parties will be Oct. 15, Nov. 12, and Dec. 3. Classes are $15 per class or $50 for all four classes. Registration and payment are due the Wednesday before the scheduled class, with limited space available. Classes are open for ages 12 and up.

The next park board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 8.