Syracuse Park Events, Vandalism Addressed
Several events were noted at the Syracuse Parks and Recreation board meeting Aug. 12, including judo, Rock Solid and the Artisans and Farmers Market which are all currently ongoing.
The market will run until Oct. 12, which is when the Fall Harvest Festival will occur. The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s events task force and other local entities are helping put together the event with the Fall Harvest Festival anticipated to have pumpkin decorating, hay rides, ham and beans soup and other activities.
Additionally, the parks department will host the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick program at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. More information is available at www.nflppk.com.
Pinterest parties — some geared toward adults while others are for children — will be offered, too, starting Tuesday, Sept. 17.
The Tour des Lakes Bike Ride held July 13 saw approximately 140 riders and received several compliments about the event’s organization and routes, according to program director Tyler McLead. Last year the bike ride had about 100 riders.
Some of the profits from the bike ride went toward purchasing a bike rack for the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex.
Other bike-friendly improvements were discussed by Syracuse Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson who stated he had met with several local businesses in regards to placing bike racks on their property. Businesses would purchase the bike racks, and the parks department would install them.
The subject of vandalism was brought up in light of recent incidents. A table located at Hoy’s Beach was recently smashed. Jonnsson said he asked for additional patrols in the area, adding the table has also been thrown into the lake on multiple occasions. Other cases of vandalism have occurred at Crosson Mill, and most recently, at the Syracuse Community Center where a window was spray-painted.
Board members discussed means of deterring would-be-vandals with Jonnson set to do more research on available options.
Next park board meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, in the Syracuse Community Center.
For a more in-depth account of the park board meeting, see Wednesday’s issue of The Mail-Journal.