From left, Dan Buchman and Amy Rensberger, both Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation board members, review financial reports. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation’s board met Tuesday, Feb. 25, to discuss the current Conklin Bay trail project and future projects the foundation might want to support. It also reviewed finances.

Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson updated board members on the Conklin Bay trail, stating, “The Conklin Bay section is coming along really well. There are some issues when it comes to the very south end and the very north end of that project, and we are working our way through those, with the potential needing of additional funds to correct the issues.”

Jonsson praised Selge Construction, the contractor for the project, and Erlene Yentes, the new trail director, for their efforts.

All of the boardwalk is in and the rails should be up soon, depending on the weather. Then when conditions are right, the contractor will finish the concrete and asphalt portion.

“Hopefully by the first of May we’re really done — hopefully before that,” Jonsson said.

Board member Amy Rensberger asked how spring youth league preparations are going and if there are any needs at Harold Schrock Athletic Complex.

“There are some things I’d like to do as it moves forward,” Jonsson said. “There are places where you’ve got kids who have played ball and practice along the fence line and hit balls into the fence instead of using the batting cages that are provided. So the fence is now rolling and it’s curled up on a couple of the fields. We may need to replace a string of chain link.”

Replacing the pitching mounds, which are six years old, and other maintenance-related tasks are also on the list.

Renberger asked if any of the items might need foundation money, but Jonsson noted most will be paid for by park budgeting and the funds Turkey Creek Township provides every year for such projects.

In the future, there may be a need for the foundation to raise funds for the complex to complete projects like adding more parking, building a play structure or constructing a pavilion.

“I would love to see a playground there. I think that would make sense with as many little, little kids that go to visit with the older kids — their brothers and sisters,” Rensberger said.

A review of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation report on the Syracuse Community Center endowment also occurred during the meeting. The endowment was established by the Kiwanis Club to support community center projects.

From the July 2019 report to the most recent, the endowment grew from $95,336.23 to $101,347.20 — $31,847.47 of which are dollars available for distribution.

Some of these funds may be used to paint the community center’s interior.

The foundation is still searching for a treasurer to fulfill the role for Dr. Tom Edington, who would like to leave the position while still remaining on the board.

Board members also reviewed bank signatories for all financial accounts and approved them.