Jerry Wright, Chad Jonsson and Adam Richardson, Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee members, discuss several spring projects at Monday night’s, April 16, meeting. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

SYRACUSE — The latest construction projects being organized by the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee were heard at the Monday night, April 16, meeting.

Funding for the Conklin Bay Trail and boardwalk project is moving forward. So far, $671,404.36 has been raised.
“We’ve matched $66,000 from the Dekko Foundation,” said Megan McClellan, executive director. “We need $44,000 by August.”

The Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Fund has given this project a $150,000 donation. Other grants are being considered.
An old maple tree along the proposed Syracuse-Webster Trail was discussed. Three different options were discussed, however, homeowners still need to be notified. The tree is in the county right of way. The committee is still waiting on easements from attorney Steve Snyder.

Mileage markers will be installed along the Syracuse Lake trail May 12-13. The installer, a Boy Scout who is working towards being an Eagle Scout, needs $236.31 for supplies.

In maintenance issues, a trail clean-up project begins at 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Syracuse Community Center. The committee’s members will clean a five-mile loop of the Syracuse Lake trail.

Tour des Lakes is Saturday, July 14. A Tour des Lakes planning meeting is from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 7, in the trail’s office. So far, 49 paid participants have registered for this year’s bike ride.

The treasurer’s report for February was given by Dr. Tom Edington. Donations totaled $3,549.86 and expenses totaled $5,899.45.

An update on the new trail brochures was given. The slogan, “Life is Better on the Trail,” was approved by the committee. The spring newsletter is in production.

A county-wide trail position was discussed. Eventually, the goal is for Elkhart County bike trails to possibly connect with Kosciusko County’s bike trails.

There are several upcoming events, the trail committee heard. Volunteers are needed to plan these events, McClellan stressed. The Tails and Trails dog walk will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, starting at Syracuse Community Center.

A MedStat luncheon is from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Brooke Point Inn, Syracuse. McClellan is in discussion with MedStat regarding possible trail event sponsorships. MedStat’s luncheon will be about creating a healthy workforce. McClellan will present opportunities for walking the trail.

The Couch to 5K program is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday, at Syracuse Community Center, starting Wednesday, May 2. Cost is $45 and includes: nine classes with a running coach, free health screenings, entrance into the Flotilla 5K July 4, and a discount to a local fitness club.

The weekly trail walks, followed by chair yoga, begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, at the Syracuse Public Library, starting Thursday, May 3. A bike rodeo is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Syracuse Community Center.

A Tommy Danger presentation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at the Boy Scout Cabin. The event is free.

Spring trail counts will be conducted in May. Trail counts are important as they help when applying for grants, said McClellan.

Volunteers of the Month were all the trail committee members. The next meeting date is at 6 p.m. Monday, May 21, at the trail office.