SYRACUSE -- A group of moms, who started the Project Playground fundraiser in 2022, celebrated Wednesday when a construction proposal passed the Syracuse City Council.

Construction for an inclusive playground in Williams Park with a poured rubber surface is expected to begin in September and be complete in six to eight weeks.

Julie Beach of the playground committee reported in February that they did not receive a grant they had hoped for, but they reached out to playground companies to best use the $380,000 already raised. Fundraising included concession at softball games, Egg My Yard Easter, bake sales, adult swim and golf tournament.

Construction of the inclusive playground and poured rubber surface is expected to begin in September and will take six to eight weeks.

Project Playground continues to receive donations for future expansion.

Committee members are

  • Julie Beach
  • Abby Weddingfeld
  • Emily Delgado
  • Karena Cunningham
  • Kelly Hauschild
  • Jo Helton
  • Tiffany Walker
  • Ashleigh Callahan
  • Becca Lechner
  • Katie Juilfs
  • Kali Manley

 

In other council action, Jerry Stilmock from Brandt, Horan and Hallstrom Law office introduced Scott Smith, a new addition to the law offices. Stilmock, Bob Hallstrom, Ryan McIntosh and Smith make up the law office in Syracuse.

 

Tim Wilson updated the mayor and city council on the telehealth project that he had been working on. The grant funds that had been applied for did not come through. Wilson was looking into trying to move forward without the grant. The Syracuse Rescue Squad had taken over the “Egg your yard for Easter.” If you are wanting to be a part of this fundraiser please contact a member of the Syracuse Rescue Squad.

Jeff Vogt of the Syracuse Public works dept. submitted a bid for an AMI system for water. This system will eventually take over for meter reading. Vogt has budgeted $30,000.00 for 2025 and will  budget the remainder in 2026.  The total for the project is $76,843.50

 

 

 Roc Hopper submitted an  SDL request for May 31, 2025 for its three-year anniversary celebration. This SDL will allow beverages to be consumed outside on their back patio area.

The NRCA TOUR NEBRASKA 2025 will be coming to Syracuse on May 31. Don Wenzl spoke for the organization, stating 200 plus cars will be in the first wave of cars traveling down Fifth Street. The second wave of 200 plus cars will follow, we will be treating this like the parades.

Fifth Street will be blocked off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the cars are cruising downtown. The classic cars will move to the fair center located at 1st and Plum streets, for the drivers to enjoy a  lunch before moving to their next destination.

Five Nines will receive a contract renewal. The city staff spoke highly of Five-nines management and assistance with any IT issues the city staff has come up against.