Pictured from left are Park Board President Dave VanLue, Board Member Jeff Nicodemus, Pat Brown, Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board met Tuesday evening, July 11, to approve the draft budget for 2018 and push the master plan into motion.

After reviewing finances, Jerry Riffle reported the tree board hadn’t met, which was why a final decision hasn’t been made on tree removals.

The board transitioned to open discussion when reviewing the proposal for the master plan provided by Pat Brown from SiteScapes. Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson added he believed what was proposed was doable and it just needed to be put into motion. The proposal outlined a general schedule for goals. Brown inquired if the board would like to review or add questions to the survey before it’s open to public.

The board expressed concern about the actual content of the survey, saying it wouldn’t be good to have one excessively long and redundant to which Brown concurred. Motion was made to approve the proposal, which was accepted with all in favor. Board President Dave VanLue signed for the proposal on behalf of the board. VanLue also added positive words by complimenting Brown’s work the last time they worked together, claiming it was “very productive and had a good outcome.”

Pictured are Pat Brown and Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson.

Jonsson addressed the 2018 draft budget, noting other than the added $20,000 for park improvements such as potential restrooms in Lakeside Park and the $1,000 to 341 Insurance as the clerk treasurer recommended, it is based on preliminary numbers for next year. Some money was also added to contract mowing for the fertilizer and weed care for the athletic complex, as well as tree planting and landscaping due to the cost of plants. The rest of the budget numbers should be similar to the budget from 2017.

A few board members pondered if any council members had seen the true condition of the concessions stand, commenting if they were able to witness it first-hand then there wouldn’t be any wonder as to why the building would need to be torn down. Mary Hursh volunteered to take photos of the building to present to the council along with the draft budget. The board motioned in approval of the draft budget as presented, which will be sent to the town council to be approved.

Some changes were proposed to the reservation forms for the gazebos and pavilions, specifically regarding rules and policies. Rules number one, three, seven and eight on the reservation form address only the covered areas are what would be reserved, vehicles have designated parking areas that don’t include the park, special equipment such as large tents and inflatable equipment are prohibited for private rentals and any cancellations that occur a week prior to the reservation date will be charged a fee. Those interested in making park reservations are asked to carefully review the rules and regulations to avoid any miscommunication. The changes proposed were approved with all in favor.

Ongoing programs include the artisans and farmers market which will continue every Saturday until Oct. 14. The summer lunch program at Lakeside Park will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, until July 28. A piyo program, a combination of Pilates and yoga, will be July 21 and 28, with an $8 drop-in fee.

Program Director Tyler McLead reported the Mudtastic Classic had 160 participants, more than last year and included more children. Tour des Lakes had 375 riders total with the additional post-ride activities being well-received. Syracuse-Wawasee Trails will be giving a donation to the parks department for its participation.

The town-wide garage sale will be from Aug. 3 to 5, with no permit required. Those interested in participating can sign-up by calling or stopping in at the community center before July 27.

Upcoming events include the Kid Olympics at the Harold Shrock Athletic Complex Aug. 26, for grades K through five. Registration is open at the community center at $5 per child.

A beginning fly fishing program will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 9, at Lakeside Park. It will be an instructional program to teach basic casting techniques and more.