<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=042Azw_1Gx6kS5c00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=042Azw_1Gx6kS5c00" width="500" height="500" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=22GAYa_1Gx6kS5c00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=22GAYa_1Gx6kS5c00" width="700" height="350" ><figcaption>Syracuse Park Board members review rental rates for rooms at the Syracuse Community Center. From left are Kristin Abbs, Jenell Lehman, Brent Berkeypile, Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson, Program Director Darin Lursen, Board President Paul Newcomer and Board Vice President Jeff Nicodemus. Photo by Deb Patterson.</figcaption></figure>SYRACUSE – A potential change in rental fees for the Syracuse Community Center may take effect at the beginning of the year.Syracuse Park Board members discussed rental rates for the community center Monday, Nov. 9, after Chad Jonsson, superintendent, noted the rates have remained unchanged since 2015. “It’s time to hold a discussion about what you think,” Jonsson said.He noted that he researched rates for comparable facilities, including those in Warsaw. The rental rate for the Warsaw Parks Department’s Fireman’s Building, which is similar in size, is $300. “We’re at $200,” he said, referring to the rate for Celebration Hall for nonresidents. For residents, the cost is $175. Gym rentals are comparable to rates charged by other entities.One of the initial discussion points was whether an additional charge should be added for early access to any of the rooms – the Kiwanis Room, Celebration Hall or gymnasium. Rental hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday rental hours were reduced to noon to 5 p.m. because the cost of having someone at the building was coming out of rental revenue.Jonsson said Saturday renters are allowed to come in between 2-7 p.m. Friday to set up at no additional charge. He and some board members questioned whether a nominal fee should be charged for that access.Paul Newcomer, board president, agreed the possibility should be considered.Kristin Abbs, board member, noted the rates are the “most cost-effective you can get.”Newcomer said an increase across the board for both residents and nonresidents should be considered. Other board members agreed.It was noted rentals are not accepted more than one year in advance. “We get a lot of last-minute calls,” Jonsson said.Although no decision was requested that evening, Jonsson asked board members to give the matter some thought and return with recommendations for a vote at the Dec. 7 meeting. The proposal will then be presented to the Syracuse Town Council, with any changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, for new rentals.Current resident fees range from $125 to $400, with nonresident fees ranging from $150 to $500. Security deposits are $150 to $500.Park rental fees were updated in 2023 and will not change.During Other MattersJonsson reported that seven new trees have been planted, including two memorial trees at Lakeside Park in memory of Ali Schuldt, former director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. The other trees were along town strets. Additionally, a company removed some trees and trimmed others at the park. Jonsson will work on the Tree City USA tree work application for submission in mid-December.Jonsson said the windscreen for the pickleball courts has arrived and will be installed around April 1.An updated list of the park department’s 2027 project priorities was presented, including the funding sources for each project.Darin Lursen, program director, reported that 17 organizations participated in the department’s Trick or Treat Trail. A possible change in hours for 2027 will be considered.He also noted that 20 participants had signed up for the Nov. 17 euchre tournament. Breakfast with Santa will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The cost is $6 per person, with children 12 and younger admitted free.Three teams have already registered and paid for the basketball league. The registration deadline is the end of November. The league starts in January, 2027.Jonsson noted that Newcomer’s and Jenell Lehman’s terms expire at the end of the year. Both indicated at the close of the meeting that they would like to continue serving. The Syracuse Town Council makes the two appointments, and their names will be submitted for reappointment.The next board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Community Center.</div></body>

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SYRACUSE – A potential change in rental fees for the Syracuse Community Center may take effect at the beginning of the year. Syracuse Park Board members discussed rental rates for the community center Monday, Nov. 9, after Chad Jonsson, superintendent, noted the rates have remained unchanged since 2015. “It’s time to hold a discussion about what you think,” Jonsson said.

Rental Fees May Change At Syracuse

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SYRACUSE – A potential change in rental fees for the Syracuse Community Center may take effect at the beginning of the year. Syracuse Park Board members di

Rental Fees May Change At Syracuse

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