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Parks staff outline spring projects, tree plantings and volunteer partnerships; city wins Tree City USA recognition
Summary
Parks staff reported volunteer days, riverfront playground improvements, multiple tree-planting grants and projects under way, and said Iowa City received Tree City USA recognition and a growth award.
Tyler, a parks staff member, summarized a range of spring projects and volunteer partnerships, including tree removal and prairie restoration work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Sand Prairie and a $600 corporate donation and volunteer work from Big Grove at Riverfront Crossings Park.
Tyler said the city has multiple tree orders from several nurseries for fall planting and noted a $10,000 state grant to support planting in the Normandy Drive neighborhood (referred to as Mosquito Flats). He said master gardeners and Rotary volunteers will help with plantings; Tyler said the city typically receives community forestry grants from the state Department of Natural Resources and estimated the city averages about $25,000 a year in tree grants.
Park improvement projects underway include a playground installation at College Green (playground hardware being installed with ancillary work scheduled through mid-fall), grading and a new trail at Calder Park, staged work at Brooklyn Park, and staging at Adelaide Joy Rogers Park. Tyler also outlined bids out for Sycamore Greenway work tied to a REAP grant and bridge decking replacement at First Avenue loop in Hickory Hill Park.
Julie and commissioners highlighted that seasonal staffing is nearly complete (about 50–55 seasonal staff expected), restrooms at parks are being opened for the season, and the department is coordinating volunteer events such as West Branch High School’s Earth Day service at Hunters Run Park. The commission also discussed an upcoming parks bus tour scheduled for May 14; staff said the city bus is open to the public and will pick up at the usual location at 5 p.m.
Julie noted she will be out for knee replacement surgery starting April 21 and that Tyler will serve as acting director during her recovery. Staff asked commissioners to expect a longer meeting for the May bus tour, which will include a boxed lunch.
Ending: Staff will provide updates on Sycamore Greenway bids, College Green project timelines, and fall tree-planting schedules; commissioners congratulated Parks staff on professional awards and the department’s continued volunteer partnerships.
