SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks and Recreation board members braved the chilling temperatures Monday evening, Jan. 11, to assemble for the first meeting of 2016.

Jerry Riffle reported the trees program is trying to create a diversity of species they plant. In doing so, the committee chose Zelkova serrata to replace the damaged elm trees that were removed last year. According to Riffle, the Zelkova serrata was named 2016 Tree of the Year by the Society of Municipal Arborists.

In a summary of 2015, Riffle reported $27,497 was spent on trees; planting 21, removing 13 and pruning 150 trees, many of which were hanging low in the path of traffic.

In community center usage reports, program director Tyler Mclead confirmed, overall, the center’s utilization increased from the previous year. While gym rentals were down slightly, the fitness room showed a “dramatic” increase.

Five-year master plan is still under review by MACOG, according to park superintendent Chad Jonsson. He will forward information once it is received.

As of Monday, Jonsson reported the ice rink at Harold Schrock Athletic Complex is not ready for skating. He did say ice skates were purchased with a grant awarded by the K21 Foundation. Those purchased along with skates donated last year will be used as rentals for public use when the ice is ready for skating.

A walkway leading to the gazebo at Lakeside Park will be installed with funds from a Harkless grant award. The $9,900 grant will also pay for the replacement of the concrete in front of the community center.

McLead updated the board on community events scheduled for Syracuse Community Center, located at 1013 N. Long Drive.

Registration for Cabin Fever Garage Sale opens Wednesday, Jan. 13. The sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5. Booth space is $10 and a $5 fee for table rentals. There is a one space limit and fees are due at the time of registration.

Events are as follows: middle school dance 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22; Wawasee Kiwanis Club soup supper will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. The cost is $6 per person. Then at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, “Princess Bride” will be the feature film for family movie night.

Before adjourning the meeting, members elected to keep the officers the same for the 2016 year, with Dave Vanlue as president and Kip Schumm as vice president.