Commission votes not to replace removed tree at Library Park; staff may plant elsewhere

The Recreation and Parks Commission voted to accept staff’s recommendation not to replace a removed tree in Library Park after staff reported mixed feedback and operational concerns.

Recreation and Parks staff said the tree had been difficult to source and that recent summer concerts generated consistent public praise for an unobstructed performance and viewing area. “The sun now comes all the way across the street. It is, in our opinion, it is best left as is,” a staff member told commissioners, recommending that the city not replace the tree at that location at this time. Staff added that the city can plant a replacement elsewhere in the park system if the commission prefers.

Commissioners asked whether the decision would preclude planting a tree later; staff replied it would not. A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation to defer replacing the tree at Library Park; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (4 in favor). The chair recorded the vote as 4–0 in favor of the staff recommendation.

Ending: Staff will not replace the tree at Library Park for now, but commissioners retained the option to direct staff to plant a tree in that park or another location later if circumstances or public input change.