Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - On Dec. 1, the Syracuse Park Board will close the Scout Cabin at Crosson Mill Park, Syracuse, ending 50 years of Scouting tradition.
According to a Progressive Engineering Inc., Goshen, study, the "roof structure is not adequate to safely carry the full snow loads required by the Indiana Uniform Building Code for northern Indiana."
Fifty years ago, the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Syracuse Lions, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and other community groups pooled their resources to build the cabin for the specific purpose of providing the Boy Scouts a place to meet. At that time, according to a Rotary Club press release, the town board granted an indefinite lease as long as the scouts wanted to meet there and the building was properly maintained.
The present facility was managed by the Rotary Club in recent years and the Club petitioned the town council to be allowed to build a new cabin due to safety concerns.
At a previous town council meeting, however, the town council told the Rotary Club it was not their decision but the Syracuse Park Board's decision because they have authority over the parks.
Rotary members decided to find a new location for the Boy Scouts to build a new cabin. The land and buildings will be deeded in perpetuity to the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Foundation - a nonprofit, tax-exempt fund-raising arm of the club. Any person who might want to contribute land or funds toward the new facility can call Dan VanLue at 457-4659.
The public is invited by the Rotary Club and Boy Scout Troop 728 to a farewell open house and reception Nov. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. Cake and punch will be served during the last Scout function to be held in the building.
