The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board discussed several spring projects at the Monday night, March 8, meeting. Pictured are Darin Lursen, left, program director, and Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, at last night’s park board meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Spring is in the air and several park projects were the main topic of discussion at the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Monday night, March 8.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, said the gazebo at Lakeside Park needs new siding. He said he will buy the siding and have the work done “in-house.”

“Last week, we looked at siding. We have some money for park improvement,” he said. He also said “minimal maintenance makes sense” for the project and upkeep.

All six benches have been adopted and will be installed in the spring. Polywood has donated the benches.

The tree board will be planting 11 trees sometime in the spring. A celebration will take place in the fall but not on Arbor Day as usual.

Also signage and park rules were discussed. Jonsson handed out a list of potential park rules for the board members to view. Current rules posted at Lakeside, Veteran’s Memorial, and Henry Ward parks include: park closed after dark, no pets or alcoholic beverages, observe local ordinances, and thank you for keeping your park clean. Some rules, such as no alcohol, are enforceable while others are not. The board has discussed having dogs in the parks but no decision has been made as of yet.

Jonsson suggested keeping the list of park rules short to no more than four or five.

Lifeguards are being sought for the summer. So far, no applications have been submitted for the positions. Six to eight lifeguards are needed.

Jonsson gave the Schrock Fields update. He said he has met with the engineer for the design of the new field project. An architect is also helping with the design of the new field. Jonsson said he is hoping to get bids for the work by the end of March or early April.

Jonsson gave an update on the Ward Park project. He said the boardwalk project is planned for the end of April. He is getting quotes for the playground, too.

“I’m looking for contractors to do the gazebo,” he noted.

Work on the Syracuse Community Center’s restroom renovations is not done yet, Jonsson said.

Jonsson gave the update on the Laudeman park project. He said he is meeting with the engineer next Tuesday. A pavilion is one of the amenities that has been discussed as well as adding restrooms.

The board approved a “poker paddle” event for a July kayak fundraiser. The organizer, Michele Camacho, asked if she could use Lakeside Park as a starting point. Up to 300 people are expected to participate. It will be from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, July 10. A small band will play at the gazebo and there will be two to three food trucks.

The approval of claims was submitted and approved for Feb. 8 to March 8, and Jonsson gave the financial report for Feb. 1-28.

Darin Lursen gave the program report. He said the recent indoor garage sale had 15 vendors. One vendor made $500, he said, adding the basketball league is now down to four teams.

In the spring, an Easter egg hunt will take place. However, the children will hunt for eggs and be separated by age groups to allow for social distancing. Goody bags will be handed out to children.

A geocaching hunt for eggs will start on March 27. Registration for an “Anna and Elsa” event is taking place with eight people already signed up.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. on April 12.