Jerry Wright was named Volunteer of the Month at the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee meeting Monday, Aug. 20. From left are committee members Dr. Erick Leffler, Wright and Matthew Bouchard. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

SYRACUSE — Students were safely able to walk to school along a portion of the new Syracuse-Webster Road Trail last week. The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee heard the news at the meeting Monday, Aug. 20.

“It’s getting used,” said Dr. Tom Edington, who said most of the users are high school students.

The trail extends to Wawasee High School and also to the new Syracuse Elementary School. A few changes were made from the original plan, such as extra drainage that was needed.

“I don’t think there will be any drainage issues,” said Director Megan McClellan.

A dry catch basin was installed. An easement was obtained to go around a tree that did not need to be taken down. The new trail will eventually extend to Brooke Point Inn once the final phase of the trail is completed.

An update on trail brochures was given. The committee viewed a copy of what the new brochure will look like. The board said they liked the new brochures, which are being handled by committee member Angie Racolta.

The fall “Tails and Trails” dog walk event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27, at Syracuse Community Center. The event is being organized by Matthew Bouchard. Attendees are invited to check out the event on Facebook.

The Conklin Bay project is moving along. A pre-bid meeting will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Bids are due Oct. 4.

“We updated the bid package,” said McClellan, who will advertise for the bids.

Fundraising was discussed. McClellan said she is “inviting people to join in making the world a better place.” She said it’s important to build donor relationships and “100 percent board participation is needed.”

Maintenance along the trail was also discussed. The Kiwanis Club will trim shrubbery along the Cornelius boardwalk.

The trail committee received a $5,000 donation from the Tour des Lakes bike ride. “We had a good profit,” said McClellan. “We’re already planning the 2019 ride.” A planning meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, at the trail’s office.

Wawasee Property Owners Association’s cottage tour netted $30,000 for the trails. The money will be used for the Conklin Bay project.

Edington gave July’s treasurer’s report. Donations totaled $3,350 and expenses were $5,341.18. Expenses included $930.49 for a new computer for McClellan. A donation from The Papers Inc. was $2,500.

Volunteer of the Month is Jerry Wright.

Upcoming Events

• A walk and yoga are at 9 a.m. Thursdays, at the library.

• McClellan will attend a Walk-Bike-Place Conference Sept. 16-20, in New Orleans.

• Walk to School Day is Oct. 10.

• Fall newsletter articles are due Oct. 15.

• Brooke Point Fall Carnival is Oct. 20.

• Fall-tastic trail walk is from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 20-21, at WACF.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24.