WPOA Donations Support Syracuse Trails
Updates were the order of the day for the meeting of the Syracuse Park Foundation on Tuesday. Information on the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee, Harold Schrock Athletic Complex, Rotary Park and liability insurance for board members filled the agenda.
Syracuse Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson reported that the right of way on the south side of Vawter Park Road was wider than anticipated.
The trail committee had a meeting with the Indiana Department of Transportation about the SR 13 trail project. “They proposed that the trail be on two sides of the highway to prevent bikers and walkers from going against the traffic,” he noted. Phil Beer II is working with the trail committee to facilitate dealings with INDOT.
The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission will hear a report on what the area has to offer at its Sept. 18 meeting at the courthouse in Warsaw.
Appreciation was expressed to the Wawasee Property Owners Association for its recent donation of $25,000 of proceeds from the cottage tour and $2,000 from the board of directors toward the trails. Jonsson said, “All together WPOA has donated almost $100,000 to the trails.”
News on the athletic complex included that the sprinkler system is operational. Dick Pellitier and Amy Rensberger are talking with potential donors about the second phase of the complex project. Lighting and bleachers are the items needed.
Rensberger explained, “It’s a little tougher this time around, but these projects need to be finished. Jonsson said that a meeting is scheduled with K21 Foundation to inspect the facility and he will make K 21 aware that matching funds are available. “Eventually we want it to go beyond football and baseball and be a true park,” Rensberger said.
“Things are at a standstill on Rotary Park until attorney Steve Snyder can be reached. We’re playing phone tag,” said Jonsson.
Dan Buchman reported that research on the personal liability insurance for board members is ongoing.