Park Board Preps Questions For Public Survey
SYRACUSE — The Syracuse-Wawasee Park Board met at its regular time in the community center at 7 p.m. Monday. The night was primarily spent discussing the draft of the public survey questions regarding park changes. The board also received an update about the Lakeside Park concession stand.
Jerry Riffle reported for tree board that the fall planting locations of trees has been determined, commenting that the trees that have been planted are looking well. About 10 trees will be removed. Riffle hopes to have a draft of the tree planting guide to the board members next month.
SiteScapes’ Pat Brown presented the board with survey questions that he, Superintendent Chad Jonsson and Program Coordinator Tyler McLead drafted. The board looked over the questions. Brown’s plan for the survey is to leave it open for a few weeks, allowing people time to give thoughtful answers and construction criticism.
There will be an online version of the survey as well as a hardcopy version at the community center. The survey will be a great way to not only request different programs and park changes, but to let the parks department know what could be improved upon on what’s already available. The board deliberated over the suggestions and what would be the best way to gather helpful information.
Mary Hursh expressed concern over a few of the options and the ability of how the parks department would be able to implement those changes. Jonsson replied that it’s possible to look for help with particular projects if it’s seen as a community priority. Brown commented that since the 5-year-plan has extended into a longer outlook, Syracuse may grow which could provide opportunity for larger projects down the line.
Referencing what he has experienced with other park departments, Brown reassures the board that there are different efficient ways to bring more to Syracuse. The department wants to ask the questions to give people a chance to share their opinions and opportunity to make a change within the community.
The Lakeside Park concession stand will be removed. The plan after the removal is to rebuild restrooms as four individual family restrooms rather than two separate ones.
Judo and pickleball will continue on a weekly basis along with the artisans and farmers market.
Upcoming events include the Second Annual Kid Olympics will be held at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex for kids kindergarten through fifth grade on Aug. 26. The entrance fee will be $5 and kids and parents can stop by the community center for registration or more information.
A yoga instructor will be coming to the community center to teach kids relaxing yoga poses starting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, until Oct. 25. The class will be for kids age 3-6, who can learn about wellness and end their class with a craft.
A beginning fly fishing program will be from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 9, at Lakeside Park. The instructional program will teach basic casting techniques, line types and various flies.
Pinterest parties will start-up again at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18. The party will be making book wreaths from pages of old books.
The Fall Harvest Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14, at Lakeside Park. It will also be the final day of the artisans and farmers market. There will be hayrides, a petting zoo, live music and more family friendly excitement.
The winter program brochure will be available this week at the community center.