Parks Committee narrows placement for Johnny Appleseed figure at Old Orchard Park

Parks Committee staff reported that community feedback favors placing the Johnny Appleseed figure at Old Orchard Park along West Granville Street to make it more visible and interactive. Staff said they moved the proposed location “down the hill a little bit from the mid block crossing” and will include photographs in the project packet so committee members and the public can see the precise placement.

The move is intended to increase public access and interaction with the figure. Staff told the committee they plan to allow a few days to finalize the placement and said, “if we're ready to proceed, we will go ahead and get that in place,” with a rededication event to follow.

Parks staff also said the city’s service team will clear vegetation around the placement and plant additional apple trees near the figure. The department is drafting signage for all city parks; staff suggested placing the sign for Old Orchard Park in a downward-facing location close to the proposed Johnny Appleseed site.

Committee members participated in a field trip to Old Orchard Park before the meeting to view the candidate sites. The item remained a staff recommendation and no formal motion or vote on the placement was recorded at the meeting. The committee will revisit the item if staff determines further public input or additional adjustments are needed.

The committee’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m., when members may receive additional materials or final recommendations about the placement and rededication plans.