Syracuse Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson, middle, presented new signage for Hoy’s Beach to park board members Monday, June 14. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

SYRACUSE — An anonymous donation to help fund the new Schrock Fields project is expected at tonight’s Syracuse Town Council meeting, the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board heard Monday, June 14.

The money will be used to fund the new Schrock Fields ball fields project.

“It will be significant,” said Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson of the large donation.

The original bid for the project should be awarded at the Syracuse Town Council meeting tonight, he said. The total project estimate is around $3 million.

A new mower will need to be purchased to take care of the new ball field. Jonsson suggested a model that would get the job done faster and more efficiently. The new mower will be used to mow Schrock Fields facility only.

“It’s fast,” said Jonsson, noting that there is money available in the budget to purchase a new mower.

The board approved a permit for beer and alcohol to be sold at the Tour des Lakes bike ride. So far, 220 people are expected to participate.

That number could rise to 320 and 350 people. In 2019, 230 people took place in the ride. The ride did not take place last year. Tour des Lakes is July 17. For more information, visit www.tourdeslakes.com.

A new “park rules” sign will be placed at Hoy’s Beach soon. Jonsson presented the new signage at the meeting. He expects the sign to be installed by the next park board’s meeting July 12.

Jonsson gave the financial report for May. The park board gave approval of the claims and financial report from May 10 to June 14.

Jonsson reported the spring tree plantings have been completed including two trees in Laudeman Park. Several trees will need to be taken down in Syracuse, noted Jonsson. The tree board is working on a maintenance and removal list for later this summer and fall. The large silver maple tree in the playground at Lakeside Park is beginning to show signs of decay, said Jonsson. He will keep checking it, but he wanted the park board to be aware as it will have to be removed in the next year or so.

An update regarding Henry Ward Park was given. The project includes a new boardwalk. Jonsson said the fishing pier has been torn apart and that the land side is complete. “It’s in good shape; it looks good,” he said.

The gazebo siding and railing project at Lakeside Park is underway. The railing will be put up first. The gazebo’s new siding has been ordered. Park staff will install the siding after the new railing is installed later this summer.

Jonsson presented the 2022 park budget information to each park board member for them to review at their leisure.

Program Director Darin Lursen gave the program report. He said a July 4 event will take place at Lakeside Park and will include a band performing at 7 p.m. and food trucks.

He said The Artisan and Farmers Market has been steady with 13 vendors at this weekend’s event and Memorial Day weekend with 23 vendors.

The Mudtastic Classic is this weekend in Syracuse. So far, 260 people have signed up for this weekend’s event. The Mudtastic Classic will be Saturday, June 19, on the trails near the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center, located on SR 13.

The summer movie matinees will start at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, at SCC. “We will screen a variety of movies throughout the summer,” Lursen said.