Shown from left are Syracuse Park Board members Jeff Nicodemus, Paul Newcomer and Jace Stewart. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A discussion on potential pickleball courts and summer staffing were among the topics discussed at the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board meeting Monday, April 8.

The pickleball courts were proposed at the meeting. Jordan Sharp, Wawasee High School PE teacher and boys soccer coach, lives in Kern’s Crossing near the Schrock Athletic Complex. He was at the meeting to ask if pickleball courts could be built at the Syracuse complex.

“I think we could make it happen,” said Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson in response.

He said it might be a year or so from now but he could look into grants for new pickleball courts.

Sharp also asked if a futsal soccer court could also be designed on the property. Board President Paul Newcomer said Lakeland Youth Center is planning on building a soccer field in Syracuse. It was suggested that the current basketball court at the sports complex could be used for futsal soccer.

Both ideas were met with a favorable recommendation by board members.

Summer staffing was also discussed. Lifeguards are needed for Lakeside Park this summer. Jonsson said he would like at least three guards on duty. He said in past years it has been difficult to hire lifeguards as there is a lifeguard shortage. He is proposing to go from $15 an hour to $20 an hour to solicit guards.

Jonsson gave the tree board report. An Arbor Day celebration will take place at 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Schrock Field. Third graders from Syracuse Elementary School will be planting trees on the south side of the sports complex. Kosciusko SWCD and The Lily Center for Lakes and Streams will be on hand to assist the students in the afternoon.

A new metal roof on the community center is currently being replaced. The work started last week and is expected to last six to seven days depending on the weather.

Work on Ward Park is coming along, said Jonsson. The new playground equipment will be installed the first week in May.

A community project day will be Friday, April 19, at Laudeman Family Park. A butterfly garden is also proposed for the park. Several benches have also been ordered and will be delivered and installed at the park. Polywood will be helping as part of its Earth Day work day.

The new rental agreement form for Schrock Field was approved. Jonsson said he called other similar places in the county to compare rates. He gave board members the comparison list. The rates and the form were approved as recommended. Rates start at $10 an hour; lights are an extra fee.

Program Director Darin Lursen gave the program report. Touch-a-Truck will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4.

Registration for the farmers market is now open. The cost is $150 for the whole season or $10 a day.

Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. A middle school dance will be from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 27; both will be held at the community center. The cost is $10 at the door for the dance.

The next euchre tournament will be at 6 p.m. Friday, April 19.

Jonsson gave the financial report for March 11 to April 8 and March.

The park board will meet at various parks for much of the remainder of the year. The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Veterans Memorial Park in Syracuse.