Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation heard updates on several ongoing projects, including Schrock Fields, at its Tuesday evening, Jan. 25 meeting. Pictured are Dan Buchman, left, and Dr. Tom Edington. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Banks.
By Phoebe Banks
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation heard an update on several projects at its meeting Tuesday evening, Jan. 25.
Chad Jonsson, superintendent of Syracuse Parks and Recreation, gave an update on the new Schrock Fields. The work is ongoing and on schedule. Light poles in the parking lot are complete and plumbing and electrical work in two buildings are “moving forward.” Siding will be delivered soon in the next couple of weeks. Insulation and drywall are being “finished up.”
A concession stand has been built and is similar to the old one but with a different design. There are two restrooms. A building by the parking lot has another concession stand by the football field.
“That building will have restrooms that will be open all the time,” said Jonsson. “A walkway will connect to Kerns Crossing.”
Beer and Slabaugh of Nappanee will work through the winter on the project, located on Kern Road. Meetings are held every three weeks with the contractors with a meeting today, Wednesday, Jan. 26.
“When the weather is nice in the spring, the new grass will grow,” said Jonsson.
In other news, the trail committee held a public meeting Wednesday, Jan. 19, to introduce the feasibility study plan to the community before final adoption. Seven people from the public came to the community engagement meeting.
“We had a good discussion,” said Dr. Tom Edington. “It was nice to hold a meeting and (know) where to start.”
A proposed expansion is part of the trail committee’s plan. Representatives from USI were at the meeting to answer questions from the public.
Edington presented the park foundation’s financial report. He said things are “working within the budget,” adding, “We have a healthy amount.”
He also gave the Kosciusko County Community Foundation report on the Syracuse Community Center Endowment Fund as of Jan. 25. The funds can be used for an emergency or for a new roof for SCC.
“That will be the big expense,” said Jonsson. “The interior of SCC will be painted next month.”