SYRACUSE — There are toys and then there are big toys. At least from the perspective of a child anyway. Syracuse Parks Department held its annual Touch-A-Truck event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, on Long Drive in front of the Syracuse Community Center and also in the community center driveway. Tyler …read more.

SYRACUSE — There is something about big trucks, heavy equipment and emergency vehicles. Kids are fascinated with the bells and whistles and the sheer size of those vehicles.

Syracuse Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson brought up the Lakeside Park concession stand/restrooms during the Syracuse Park Board’s regular meeting Monday, March 13, asking for board members thoughts on whether the structure should be replaced or rehabbed. In addition to being an “eyesore,” it was noted the structure’s location made it unappealing for parents to send …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board reviewed the department projects in the five-year master plan during its regular meeting Monday night, Sept. 12. Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson commented some projects had been added, some were taken off due to completion and others listed for potential projects they may or may not have time for.

SYRACUSE — Photos and a story from Saturday’s inaugural Kid Olympics at Harold Schrock Athletic Complex.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board was asked to review its 2017 budget during its regular meeting Monday night, Aug. 8. Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson explained the Syracuse Town Council questioned the park board’s plan to tear down the concession stand located at the top of the hill in Lakeside Park, removing a set of rest …read more.

SYRACUSE — Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported he is still working on the five-year master plan to the Syracuse Park Board Monday night, July 11. Jonsson told the board he was currently looking at costs and how to fund several proposed projects. He will have more to report on at the August meeting.

SYRACUSE — At this month’s Syracuse Park Board meeting, Monday, June 13, Tyler McLead, program coordinator, reported the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum had a busy month. The Syracuse Elementary kindergarten and fourth grade classes visited the museum.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board is near to finalizing a five-year master plan priority list in 2016 that will determine the direction of park plans for the next few years.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Park Board learned the gazebo in Lakeside Park will have a new roof installed this week during its regular monthly meeting Monday night, April 11. The metal roof will be the same as the roof on the new pavilion. Starting next week, concrete work will begin in front of the Syracuse Community …read more.

Chad Jonsson, Syracuse parks superintendent, gave the department report to the parks and recreation Board Monday, Feb. 8. An update on the five-year master plan, a park vehicle and future expenditures were topics of discussion. The five-year master plan priority list is still in the review process at Michiana Area Council of Governments. Jonsson reported …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks and Recreation board members braved the chilling temperatures Monday evening, Jan. 11, to assemble for the first meeting of 2016.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board convened Monday evening, Dec. 14, for its final meeting of the year. The agenda included a look at community events, board recommendations and the 2016 budget.

SYRACUSE — At the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board meeting Monday evening Oct. 12, the board discussed a number of potential items for the department’s five-year master plan.

One of the best ways for very young children to learn is through the hands-on experiences they have during outdoor play.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board assembled Monday evening, Aug. 10, to hear updates on department projects and program reports.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board meeting began Monday evening, July 13, with a committee report from tree board member Jerry Riffle, who announced the Indiana Urban Forestry Council is sponsoring a municipal tree workshop Tuesday, July 21, at Lakeside Park. The workshop will be conducted by Lindsey Purcell from the Purdue University Extension Office.

During the Syracuse Parks and Recreation board meeting Monday evening, June 8, parks superintendent Chad Jonsson asked the committee to review the master plan report for project ideas they would like to include or continue to work toward in a revised report. The master plan is a five-year plan required for organizations wishing to apply …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board approved a proposal for the construction of a new pavilion at Lakeside Park during its meeting Monday. Other items on the agenda included updates on the new utility vehicle and programming. Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson presented members with quotes. Borkholder Building and Supplies of Nappanee offered the demolition and removal of …read more.

  SYRACUSE – Safety is an educational process that needs to be taught beginning with childhood ages. Saturday at the Syracuse Community Center for four hours, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and service clubs gathered for the third annual Kids Safety Day hosted by the Syracuse Parks Department. Tyler McLead, program director for Syracuse Parks Department, …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board heard committee and department reports at the meeting Monday evening. Jerry Riffle reported the tree board continues to work on planting sites for the parks. Riffle also provided information about the black walnut twig beetle which was found in Indiana for the first time last week. Department reports were presented …read more.

Monday evening, Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson presented several items on the agenda to the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board during their monthly meeting. Jonsson announced the installation of a batting cage at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex is in the plans for the upcoming season. Discussions continued as the board looks at options for the …read more.

Lakeside Park pavilion and spring programming were among the items discussed at the Syracuse Parks and Recreation board meeting held Monday evening. Committee reports came from Jerry Riffle, representing the tree board. Riffle reported a tree is still part of spring planting at Ward Park. Riffle added park superintendent Chad Jonsson reviewed the emerald ash …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board members convened Monday evening and items on the agenda included senior activities, Syracuse Winterfest and board elections. Jerry Riffle reported the tree board continues to plan for removal of several trees in spring, and replacing the large tree in Ward Park. Riffle also announced the Department of Natural Resources is …read more.

At the monthly Syracuse Parks board meeting Monday, members continued to discuss progress at the athletic complex, community center and reported upcoming holiday events. Parks superintendent Chad Jonsson reported the work on the ice rink has begun at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. Equipment has arrived and setup for the rink is underway. In regards …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board held their monthly meeting at the community center Monday evening. Tyler McLead, program director, addressed the board with the programs report, beginning with community center activities. Rock Solid continues to host Rock Solid Teen Center on Thursdays and pickle ball has returned to the gym due to the changing weather. …read more.

With July being National Parks and Recreation Month, Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department will be doing its best to spread the word while offering programs and planning a few new upcoming ones, including community canoeing. During the parks department’s regular board meeting, June 9, Program Director Tyler McLead stated the department would borrow canoes from …read more.

In what may turn out to be the last summer-like weekend of the year, those at the annual Syracuse Fall Harvest Festival enjoyed picture perfect, sunny and warm weather, and sent the artisan and farmer’s market off with a bang for another season. Sidewalks at Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill in Syracuse were thick …read more.