Jerry Riffle, left, updates Syracuse Parks and Recreation board members on the tree board’s efforts while also quizzing them on a tree. Meanwhile, board members Dave VanLue, center, and Shirley Connolly share a chuckle after the former’s inquiry on the edibility of the mystery tree’s fruit.
The tree was revealed to be a type of Hawthorn called Cockspur thorn. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

SYRACUSE — At the Monday, Sept. 9, Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board meeting, Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson requested input from board members on how to approach the planned curbing and lighting project for the Syracuse Community Center’s parking lot.

He also presented research he’d already completed for it in addition to a few starter quotes.

Jonsson asked, “Do we want to maintain the same look (we have) at all the rest of the parks … or do we want more like the lights that are at the high school or at (NewMarket) with the regular parking lot pole in the middle of the island?”

He noted the islands in the parking lot have been hit all summer and the rocks are being kicked out as well.

Paul Newcomer, board vice president, asked if solar is a viable option for the lighting. Jonsson expressed concerns about how solar would fare during winter, worrying it would only charge long enough for two hours before shutting off, leaving the parking lot dark. He offered to look further into available solar options.

Mary Hursh stated, “We really want light on this parking lot; it would be nice to have (the decorative lights) but I think the primary thing is I want to see.”

During the discussion, board advisor Carol Koble added, “I think for a long time we cared about how things appeared in the park. And I think if there is any way we can still have the aesthetics and the light we need, that we should consider that.”

Jonsson encouraged board members to check out various parking lots’ lights to consider the lights he should be researching. If the funds are available, Jonsson wants to get the project done either this fall or early in the spring.

In related news, the board voted to accept a bid from Super Seal Incorporated to reseal the community center’s parking lots.

Later in the meeting, Koble expressed concerns about the health of the Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market, stating, “I’m really concerned about what’s happening with that. I think it was a really good thing for the community. The less vendors you have, the less people who are going to stop. I was there last week and hardly anyone was there since there were only four or five vendors.”

Koble recommended a return for the park department’s information table to maybe get more information out, including about the Harvest Festival.

The board discussed the promotion of the market and perhaps expanding those efforts. The potential of moving locations was considered, though most agreed SR 13 helps draw in people. Another suggestion was shifting the market to once a month, with Newcomer noting if it’s the same thing every week people might be getting tired.

Koble said, “I must be different then because I go every week hoping to get the same product that I’ve been getting like the produce.” Jonsson noted dwindling farmer’s markets is a trend for the entire county.

In other park board news:

• Upcoming park events include the last farmer’s market, Sept. 14; Superhero Academy, Sept. 21; Harvest Festival, Oct. 12; and the fall indoor garage sale, Oct. 19. Pinterest Parties also resume, starting Sept. 16.

• The dirt drive near the skate park has been closed off at North Harrison Street. It can be reopened for special events. The street department is doing a variety of digging projects and will bring excess dirt to the drive.

• Cameras have been placed at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

• A new rental form was approved, which clarified park rules and policies, including how refunds will be handled. It also combines the normal $10 electricity fee with the rental rate rather than having it separate.