Dr. Tom Edington, center, describes the remediation process needed for a section of peat moss discovered during work on the Conklin Bay Trail to fellow Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation board members. Also shown are board member Dan Buchman, left, and Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation met Monday, Dec. 16, to approve its August minutes and review its financial report, which included the first payment of $480,876.93 for the Conklin Bay Trail.

Treasurer Dr. Tom Edington also apprised foundation board members of progress being made on the Conklin Bay Trail. This included some savings on handrails, which are not required in areas that are 30 inches or less. Though Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson noted they still might want to add in railing for aesthetic reasons.

On the south side of the trail, peat moss was unexpectedly discovered. Edington explained, “They dug down 5 feet and it’s still peat moss.”

This will require remediation, which might occur in spring. Also in the mix is a buried gas pipe, which is not as deep as it should be. Edington noted it is likely the park foundation might have to get back into fundraising mode, depending on the cost of remediation.

“We hope that some who have supported us so far will see it looking so nice that they would help us out,” Edington said.

In other park foundation news, the board is searching for a new treasurer with some accounting background.