Trail committee discusses Conklin Bay project

By Phoebe MuthartStaff WriterSyracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee started the new year by discussing the Conklin Bay project at its monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 28.Megan McClellan, executive director, said she has applied for the state’s Next Level Trails Grant. The grant, if approved, would help to fund the proposed Conklin Bay project.“They ask that we have a 20 percent match, and we are at 70 percent. I feel really confident,” she said of obtaining the grant.In order to obtain the grant, the grantor wants a map of the project and how it connects to area attractions in Syracuse.The December treasurer’s report was discussed. Last month, there was $323,999 in donations, including a $300,000 grant from the Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation and $10,000 from the Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation. Both donations will be used to help fund the new Conklin Bay project.Last month’s expenses totaled $9,152.81. Part of the December expenses is for the yearly fee for a new CRM donor management software program.“We will be able to do more digitally,” said McClellan.December funds overview was discussed and the 2019 budget was approved. There was some discussion about the trail’s newsletter distribution.“We will have three newsletters a year instead of four,” McClellan said. The spring newsletter will be delayed pending the approval of a grant.McClellan will attend a conference, the 24th annual International Trails Symposium, April 28 to May 1, in Syracuse, N.Y., hosted by American Trails.Tour des Lakes planning meeting is at 5:30 p.m. third Wednesday, at the trails office. The K1 Health Foundation has agreed to be the title sponsor for next year’s bike ride. The foundation pledged $2,500. Other sponsorships are available at the following levels: $150, $300 and $500.Volunteer of the Month is Becky Brower, who assisted with this year’s 5K run, among other duties.The Winter Warm-Up 5K was Saturday, Jan. 26, starting at the old Syracuse Elementary School. There were 58 people who ran this year and the event raised a little more than $900. Last year, 38 people signed up. This year, there was a new route. Next year’s race is the fourth Saturday in January. This year’s sponsors were: Oakwood Resort, NewMarket and Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau.Angie Racolta was named vice chairman of the committee, and she will assist Kay Young, the current chairman. A weekly walk and yoga session starts at 8:50 a.m. Thursday, at the Syracuse Community Center.The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the trails office, Syracuse.