Video and photos provided by Accelerate Indiana Municipalities.

News Release

FRENCH LICK — Accelerate Indiana Municipalities has announced the town of Syracuse is the recipient of a 2025 Aim Placemaking Award for its redevelopment of the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. The town was recognized during the Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the 2025 Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick. Syracuse earned the award in the 2,501 – 10,000 population category.

Chad Jonsson, Syracuse Parks Department superintendent, received the Placemaking Award from Mishawaka Mayor David Wood and Aim president, right, while David Wilkinson, left, comes up on stage.

For decades, the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex has been the heart of youth sports in Syracuse. When POLYWOOD needed the original land for expansion, the town seized the chance to build a new, state-of-the-art facility. Funded by tax increment financing, POLYWOOD, a K21 Health Foundation grant, and additional donors, the $3 million complex was constructed with four baseball/softball fields, dual batting cages, teeball fields, football field, playground, basketball court, walking paths, scoreboards and modern concessions.

The grand opening celebration included a community parade, ribbon cutting, and first pitch, marking the beginning of a new chapter for local athletics. The complex has since expanded with pickleball courts and new programming. In 2025, Syracuse will host at least five tournaments, helping boost recreation, tourism, and the local economy while continuing as home to Wawasee Youth Leagues.

“Quality places are about more than solid infrastructure and the functions traditionally associated with local government,” said Aim CEO Matt Greller. “They are communities that think about what it means to be a hometown – creating amenities and activities that embrace all phases of life. Syracuse understands the role government leaders play in place-based development and I couldn’t be prouder to see them take home and Aim Placemaking Award.”

Learn more about the completed project here.

The Placemaking Award recognizes completed projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing municipal challenges. These initiatives should showcase how planning, revitalization, or economic development efforts have improved the physical environment and enhanced the economic and social well-being of the community. Eligible projects must include a completed physical component within the past year. Awards are presented in multiple population categories based on nominations received.

In its 49th year, the Aim Annual Awards program, presented by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors LLC, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A seven-member panel of qualified judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.

From left Dave Wilkinson, town manager, is congratulated by Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood and Aim president, while Chad Jonnson is congratulated by Eric Walsh with Baker Tilley.