Work on the Syracuse Youth Athletic Complex is moving along at a faster pace than park superintendent Chad Jonsson expected. He gave the Syracuse Park Board an update during the board’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
The Walk-a-Thon, which was held Saturday, raised about $2,000 in pledges. Overall, with underwriting, the event raised about $7,500. Pacemaker Building hopes to have state approval for the drawings of the maintenance and concession buildings by the end of the week. Town and county permits will be needed before construction can begin.
As far as funding the complex, $80,000 in donations have come in, with grants the total jumps to $190,000 and with the $55,000 in pledges and grant applications that are outstanding, the total is $290,000. The project is looking at a total cost of $309,000.
Jerry Riffle reported the tree board had 22 trees planted. Five trees are in mind for removal and more may be added to the list. In tree maintenance, Riffle and Jonsson walked through the parks. In general the trees look good.
The tree board had a successful Arbor Day Celebration. NIPSCO donated a Redbud tree. There is some discussion of adding an educational station about powerlines and trees next year.
July Fourth and Summerfest plans are under way. A band has been booked. Rock Solid will have concessions along with the concession stand at Lakeside Park. Summerfest will be July 7 and offer a variety of activities from a fun run to a parade and an art show. Activities will be centered around Lakeland Youth Center.
Jonsson told the board long budget forms for 2013 will be available soon. He will have basic information available at the June meeting regarding next year’s budget.
In programming, Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported the Artisans and Farmers Market opened with 35 of the 37 vendors showing up and steady business throughout the day. The number of vendors has quadrupled.
Registration is open for Yoga in the Park, Over 50 Yoga, Zumba, an American Red Cross babysitting class, a basic computer class, beach volleyball league and basketball and soccer camps.
The Cruise In will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and the Cruisin’ Cuse Car Show will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Youth Fun and Fitness Fest will be Thursday, May 31. Pre-register by May 21.