Euclid Shade Tree Commission readies contractors, grants and trail work as resident tree calls top 200

Euclid Shade Tree Commission members heard that city urban forestry staff have received more than 200 resident requests for tree inspections and are preparing procurement documents to secure one or two contractors for emergency removals and major storm damage.

Amanda (Urban Forestry Division staff) told the commission, “We continue to get frequent calls from concerned residents. We have well over 200 up to this point.” She said she is conducting inspections as needed and that staff are drafting both an RFP and an RFQ so contractors will be available when emergencies arise.

The division is also pursuing grant funding. Amanda said the city submitted an application for the Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant last week and that the anticipated announcement date is July 11. She said an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant application is in progress and has an August 27 deadline. “I am also currently writing an RFP and RFQ, to address some of the major removals,” Amanda said.

Commissioners received project updates. Hero Park construction is nearly complete; the South Hillside was cleared after consultation with urban forestry staff and will be seeded with native grass, with several volunteer oak seedlings and some crabapples left in place. Dublin Sims Park remains in site-preparation and concrete work, with activity expected through late July. Russell Avenue Park is nearing completion, with remaining tree plantings, bench and fence installations and final concrete and asphalt work.

The commission was told the Sims Park reimagined plan was finalized, adopted by the Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission and adopted by Euclid City Council the previous Monday. Lakeshore pedestrian pavement markings were completed last week, with a final walk-through to be scheduled.

Staff said a June 4 kickoff with consultant GPD Group began design work for two linked projects: improvements to East 215th Street trail and upgrades at Heritage Park. The planned East 215th trail work includes grading, widening the path to 10 feet, paving, trail lighting and amenities such as landscaping and a bike-fix station. Heritage Park improvements will include tree plantings, landscaping, seating and a pavilion; community engagement in 2023–24 informed the concept plan.

The city is designing an off-road, 10-foot-wide Euclid Heritage Trail on Euclid Avenue to connect Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation to Hero Park. Staff said Phase 2, the Highland-to-Chardon Road east leg, is nearly fully funded by a fiscal year 2025 NOACA TLCI (Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative) award. The commission was told the city will work with Metroparks on easement agreements and design approvals and is currently completing required ODOT regulatory paperwork.

Commissioners did not take formal action on these items during the meeting; staff said next steps are to finalize procurement documents for contractors, await grant announcements, and continue design and permitting work for trail and park projects.