From left, Syracuse Park Board members Paul Newcomer, vice president, and David Johnston listen as the Syracuse Community Center’s parking lot lighting project is discussed. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

SYRACUSE — There will be no more dark parking lot after evening events at the Syracuse Community Center in the near future, with park board members voting to move forward with the lighting project at the Monday, Oct. 14, meeting.

Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson shared he’d spoken with Town Manager Mike Noe earlier in the month about the project. Noe offered the parks department four or five light posts, which the town had in storage after obtaining them through a Harkless grant. These poles are the same decorative lights seen throughout town.

The acceptance of the poles would leave only the cost of excavation, boring and curbing. The other option would be to go with the Light Poles Plus quote and have a more commercial light structure.

Board members Mary Hursh and David Johnston expressed concerns about the brightness of the decorative poles, which currently use bulbs with 6,075 lumens.

It was stated a bulb with more lumens could likely be used in each post; however, Jonsson noted, “I’m not sure how much bigger. I don’t know if we can get to 10,000 lumens.” He offered to look into what could be used.

After talk about the height of the Light Poles Plus poles and what other area parks have used, the board moved to accept the lights from the town and the construction and boring quote from Pulver Construction, which was the least.

Board member Jeff Nicodemus stated, “I would say try to stay with what we have in the parks so everything matches, and go with larger bulbs — if needed.”

Jonsson added he will use the motion to apply for a Harkless grant while also getting on the schedule with Pulver Construction.

In regards to another project, Jonsson said, “I talked with representatives of Pacemaker Buildings about adding an area off the back of our maintenance building, essentially cold storage, following the roof line down about eight feet.”

This space would have garage doors at each end so parks employees could just drive in and out. If ever needed, the space could be insulated and heated in the future. Jonsson said he is expecting a quote on the project.

Laudeman Park continues to be developed, with options for spring wildflower plantings being shared with board members. It was noted it will take a couple years for the wildflower beds to fill out. More information on pricing and process will be coming. Jonsson added leftover grant money could be applied toward these plantings.

In other park news:

• Upcoming events include the indoor garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the community center; the Fall Carnival in partnership with Lakeland Youth Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the community center; and Haunted Thrill at Crosson Mill from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and 31.

• The cameras at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill have seen mysterious soap disappearances cease. There was a discussion about putting them at other locations, too.

Next park board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, to avoid Veterans Day.