Syracuse Park Activities In Full Swing
SYRACUSE — At this month’s Syracuse Park Board meeting, Monday, June 13, Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum had a busy month. The Syracuse Elementary kindergarten and fourth grade classes visited the museum.
He also mentioned attendance for the Wawasee Kiwanis Car Show, held May 21, was up from last year.
The bingo fundraiser had a good turnout. Mclead noted there were at least 30 participants there specifically to help the community center raise money for craft programs. He estimated funds raised exceeded $500.
The cruise-in May 20, also had good attendance. Board member Paul Newcomer commended park director Chad Jonsson for his help and organization at the cruise-in.
McLead reported the keychain craft, which the community center sponsored, had 70 kids participate. The first Kid’s Market did well. Three children signed up and sold things. The amount the children collected for their efforts ranged from $23 to $80.
There are already four children signed up for July’s market. The Kid’s Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second Saturday of the month at the Artisans and Farmers Market.
The Pinterest craft parties that ended recently averaged seven participants per class and are slated to open again in the fall.
The summer lunch program, held at the Lakeside Park, is held from noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of Monday, July 4.
The basketball hoop grant is under consideration by the K21 Foundation. K21 representatives visited the community center two weeks ago to look at the proposed project and ask questions.
Lakeside Park concession stand is currently open. Hire Electric replaced the building’s electrical box.
The first draft of the park board’s 2017 budget was presented for consideration and input. A notable change was a substantial increase in insurance costs. The amount allotted for park improvements was decreased, as was the amount for new equipment.
Improvements at Hoy’s Beach is the department’s summer project. Sand has been delivered, mulch is being considered and the beach seawall will be improved.
Cattails growth at Lakeside Park was brought forth by board member Donna Workman. Jonsson told her the DNR allows the plant to be cut, not sprayed. He noted the plant system is growing in front of the drain in the lake, which is helping its fertilization and spread.
The handicapped swing at Lakeside Park has been used properly and enjoyed by citizens, but also misused. Mary Hursh asked if it would be possible to get a sand play box off to the side of the playground for younger children. Jonsson said this could be considered.
Upcoming events in Syracuse include the second annual Mustastic Classic, to be held June 25. Registration is still open, although the T-shirt deadline has passed. The mud run will feature several fun and challenging obstacles along trails near Lake Wawasee. So far, there are more than 90 signed up, and McLead hopes to reach 100.
Registration for the Tour des Lakes Bike Ride and the Tour des Parks is open. For the Tour des Parks, a scavenger hunt ride, pre-registration is required.
Garage sale listings for the Aug. 4-6 town-wide garage sales can be put in the Aug. 3 The Mail-Journal and ‘the PAPER’ for free by leaving the listings at the community center. The deadline for garage sale listings is 4 p.m. Friday, July 29. Listings can also be left by calling (574) 457-3440.