SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks and Recreation board assembled Monday evening, Aug. 10, to hear updates on department projects and program reports.

Committee reports was presented by tree board member Jerry Riffle with news of Rob Merchant replacing tree board member Jeremy Sponseller.

Chad Jonsson, parks superintendent, informed the construction of Lakeside Park pavilion is “essentially done” with electricity expected to be installed this week.

A seven question survey will be distributed requesting public input for the master plan. The superintendent plans to invite the public to both the September and October parks and recreation board meetings to hear suggestions regarding future projects for the board to consider. A 6:30 p.m. start time was suggested.

Work to replace the air conditioning system at Syracuse Community Center will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, and is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.

In new business, Jonsson requested members to increase the rental deposits for the use of the community center and Lakeside Park pavilion. This comes after occasions when the clean-up was left for community center staff to attend to. Jonsson believes a deposit increase would encourage a better clean-up effort by renters after a private event.

The board reviewed the center’s current deposit and rental fees comparing them with neighboring communities’ rental fees. The discussion will continue at next month’s meeting.

Community center program director Tyler McLead announced the following upcoming events.

Rock Solid will resume on a weekly basis beginning after school Thursday, Aug. 13.

Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market continues 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 10 with Art in the Park and Kids Market.

Community canoeing is scheduled weekly Tuesday during the month of September. Canoes will be provided on first-come basis, free of charge 4-6 p.m. Sept. 1 through 29.

NFL Punt, Pass and Kick event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex, located at 900 W. Brooklyn St., Syracuse. Children ages 6 to 15 are invited to participate in the skills competition, free of charge.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department and Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the scenic Syracuse photo contest. Amateur photographers who live, work or attend school in Syracuse are eligible to submit photos showcasing the town for various prizes. The contest is open to adults and children. For a complete list of rules, visit www.syracusein.org.

Monthly Pinterest parties are planned through the end of the year at 6-8 p.m. Monday Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, and Dec. 7. Each month the crafting class will feature a theme with materials and instructions provided. Registration is required and space is limited.

Fall Harvest Festival is planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Lakeside Park.

For more information about the events listed, visit www.syracusein.org or call (574) 457-3440.