08-20-24 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – August 20, 2024 Page 4 Recreation Supervisor Johnson said Arden Manor Park construction was not awarded any additional funding. The courts project could not move forward because this. Arden Manor is on the list to request funding for 2025. Recreation Supervisor Johnson updated there was an outreach event on Thursday, August 8th regarding Arden Oaks and Freeway Parks. It was not as well attended as a similar event held in the winter. He reminded there is a QR code that links to a survey that takes just a couple minutes to complete. The survey seeks input on how best to maximize the available funds. Recreation Supervisor Johnson stated the PMP project is underway. That included pond dredging, water main sewer upgrades, mill and over lays, spot curb replacement. He stated input is requested regarding the Floral Park storm drain from the baseball field. They have to start planting. They need to use the trees that are pre-approved. The plan is to use 25% each of Honey Locust, Kentucky Coffeetree, American Elm and Hackberry. He noted that if the committee members had any input it could probably be implemented but they want to start planting soon. Committee Member Jacobson stated she drove past the site. She updated that it’s a nice park with trails in the neighborhood. The trail starts at the street and it is wide open. A lot of trees have been removed. There is some turf, but no trees or shade. Neighbor homes are visible from the trail. She asked if the neighbors have requested any screening. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said no. Committee Member Jacobson presumed the neighbors are okay with just regular overstory trees. She noted it was probably woodsy. She thought the planting could be more organized from the beginning near the street, where the trail begins. Then the planting could be more irregular further down the path. She thought having Oaks in the mix would be good. These are all big trees. She thought mixing in some understory trees would be a good idea. Committee Member Dietz stated he’s familiar with that area. He stated originally both sides of the trail were lined with Ash Trees. The drainage area was open. They didn’t take out too much there. That is designed as a water garden so planting may restrict the flow. He asked how much room there is at the side of the trail. He thought it would be nice to include Spruce Trees. He thought that would provide screening. Discussion ensued regarding what was there before and how that parcel was maintained. Committee Member Dietz stated for a Spruce Tree you would need about 15 feet from the edge of the trail to the trunk of the tree. If there is room, he thinks a grouping of Spruce Trees would help break it up. He asked about planting near the neighboring homes. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said he assumed there would be a desire to have enough of a gap that the trees won’t cross property lines into the residential yards. Committee Member Jacobson said she noted two or three users just in the short time she was there. It seems like a well-used trail.