Syracuse Athletic Complex Update
The weather may not be conducive to spring training, but work continues at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. Members of the Syracuse Park Foundation received an update during the foundation’s regular monthly meeting last night.
Chad Jonsson, park superintendent and executive director of the park foundation, reported work is still going on at the athletic park. Larry Martindale has been busy working in the concession stand, putting up trim and meeting with a representative of the county health department about what will be needed for approval.
Jonsson is working with Wawasee Kiwanis and Pee Wee Football on purchasing a refrigerator for the concession stand. Such some other equipment, such as portable mounds will also be purchased soon. Jonsson said the committee is looking at another $15,000 in expenses before the field is ready to be played on.
The Wawasee Kiwanis are planning a work day on April 13 to finish off everything before Little League season starts. A dedication day is in the works for May.
Fundraising continues for a community match to a donation made by Doug Schrock.
Donn Baird, treasurer, noted $15,905 was raised through the trail committee mailer sent out around Christmas time. Approximately 10,430.27 has been spent on overseeding, fencing and concrete pads at the athletic complex.
The board approved not taking the $14,649.47 available as a distribution from an endowment at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Currently the endowment, which is for the community center, has $74,763.99 in it.
Dick Pelletier was approved as newest member of the Syracuse Park Foundation.
The board also approved keeping Dr. Tom Edington as chair; Amy Rensberger as vice chair and Baird as treasurer.
As the meeting drew to a close Edington suggested getting more input on the trail committee. Mike Buhrt, foundation member, said he and Jonsson had talked and like the idea of keeping the trail committee with under the foundation umbrella. He did suggest it be formalized a bit as to what the actual goals of the trail committee are.