Jeff Nicodemus, left, and Paul Newcomer discuss several projects at the Syracuse Park Board meeting Thursday, Aug. 13. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board heard updates on some projects and upcoming events at the Thursday, Aug. 13, meeting. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, gave the park board’s financial report as of the end of July.

In committee reports, he gave a tree board report. No major damage was done with trees at parks due to the Monday, Aug. 10, storm.

The tree board received a grant award through the St. Joseph River Basin Commission for the studying of tree needs and health in the Syracuse area. “We have been working with them on a couple of maps for the Syracuse area and will receive 50 trees to plant sometime in the fall of 2021,” said Jonsson.

The board heard department reports and ongoing projects.

Jonsson gave an update on the Veterans Memorial Dam project. Seeding is finished and dirt work will be done in September sometime. A fence will be replaced as well. Jonsson said the company that did the work was “good to work with.”

“It looks good,” said board member Paul Newcomer.

The board also heard the update on the Schrock Fields projects. He is meeting with the engineer Friday, Aug. 14. Jonsson said he’s not sure how quickly the project will go but, he said, “I’d get it right now rather than fix it later.”

There will be road improvements near the property, which is located by Polywood. Jonsson said he is not sure when the groundbreaking will be but said “We won’t be playing ball next year.”

There are two new designs for the Ward Park playground project. Newcomer said, “It looks neat.” Warranty information was presented to the board, too. The playground, said Jonsson, will be a maintenance-free one.

A survey of Lakeside Park was discovered. Jonsson contacted Mike Kissinger, the county surveyor, and “he did some research and responded to our questions,” Jonsson said.

The 1994 survey included a tract of land that is indeed the park in question. “It was included in that survey,” Jonsson said.

In 2018, a deed was conducted and lots were combined into one tract. “So far, we are all good,” Jonsson said.

In August 1983, the property was deeded to a family by the town.

“It’s documented in the county books,” said Jonsson. “It was not on the map properly. We have it taken care of now.”

Printer and copier proposals were submitted to the board.

The 2021 park budget was submitted to the Syracuse Town Council at its July meeting.

Jonsson discussed the Syracuse Community Center’s solar system that is being proposed. The solar system can be installed on the roof or on the ground near the skate park. A new roof may be needed in the future since the building is 20 years old.

A programs report was given. Some upcoming programs are being cancelled in September, and possibly October, due to COVID-19. The fall carnival may still take place but could be a drive-thru event instead.

Donna Workman, a park advisor, told the board she is concerned about recent activity at Lakeside Park. Workman, who lives near the park, said people are fishing, kayaking and walking the dogs on the property. Jonsson said he asked for extra police patrols.

Due to the lack of lifeguards on duty, there is no one to monitor the activity at the park, he said. If people are violating the regulations, they should be fined, suggested Newcomer. He said the matter should maybe be presented to the town council.