Syracuse Board of Parks and Recreation discussed trees, a potential dog park and the new ball field Monday, Nov. 8. Pictured from left David Johnston, Carol Koble, and Mary Hursh. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Banks.

By Phoebe Banks
Staff Writer

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Board of Parks and Recreation heard updates on various fall projects Monday, Nov. 8. These include new trees, trees that need to be removed, a new ball field and a new dog park.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, gave the status of the new Schrock Field. Beer and Slabaugh have continued working on the ball field project. So far, the parking lot has been paved.

“Today, they were working on the first coat of asphalt,” he said. “So we are making progress.”

New playground equipment has been received and backstop netting poles have been installed. Jonsson said foundation has been poured and an electrical conduit installed.

Jonsson said he is getting mower specs, or quotes, as a larger mower will be needed for the new ball field.

“It is in the park board budget,” he said. However, he did not specify an amount.

Jonsson reported trees were purchased last month and will be planted. This year, he also purchased a magnolia tree for Lakeside Park.

“They are in good shape and are big,” he said of the trees. “I was pleased.”

Jonsson reported he has completed the fall tree removal list. Any trees with a large pink “X” are scheduled to be removed, including a maple tree, located next to the Lakeside Park pavilion. The trees are being removed by K&K Tree Service. Jonsson said he hopes the trees will be removed by mid-December.

The implementation of a no-leash dog park in Syracuse is moving forward, Jonsson said. Syracuse Town Council will hear the plans for the new dog park, possibly at this month’s meeting.

Darin Lursen, program director, gave his report, which included previous and upcoming programs. The fall indoor garage sale was a success and had “a good turnout,” he said. The drive-thru trick-or-treat event was also a “huge success” with close to 200 cars. A haunted house also drew 176 people.

Breakfast with Santa will be from 8-11 a.m. Dec. 4, and basketball registration has begun with the season starting Jan. 2, 2022.

The term limit for Shirley Connolly, a board member, will expire next month as of Dec. 31. The term limit for Dave VanLue, president of the board, also expires next month. VanLue is the Wawasee School Board appointee. If interested in being a park board member, contact Jonsson.

Jonsson gave the financial report for Oct. 12 to Nov. 8 and the financial report for the month of October. A new Gator utility vehicle will need to be purchased this year. Jonsson said there is money in the budget for the vehicle. The park department will also be supporting a tree lighting ceremony at Oakwood Resort with a monetary donation. Jonsson also noted the interior of the community center will need to be painted during the winter.

“I am getting quotes,” he said. “We are looking at purchasing a few other things, too.”

The next meeting is 7 p.m. Dec. 13.