Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Iowa City parks report: arborist certifications, pruning, prescribed burns and Ashton House improvements
Summary
Parks staff told the commission they now have 10 certified arborists on staff, conducted extensive winter pruning, began prescribed burns at Hickory Hill Park, will replace the building roof and have a REAP-funded Ashton House project out to bid for about $200,000. Staff also gave garden-plot and memorial bench updates.
Iowa City parks staff told the Parks & Recreation Commission on Feb. 12 that the department has grown its professional certifications, completed winter pruning on thousands of street trees, started prescribed burns to manage prairies and put an Ashton House Grounds REAP-funded project out to bid.
Staff said the department now has 10 International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborists among forestry and parks staff, and that Alex, the assistant superintendent of parks, recently became a certified parks and recreation professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. The commission heard that staff pruned about 2,000 street trees this winter to guide young growth and avoid future problems.
The department also reported the building that hosts parks operations will receive a new roof shortly; staff said they have obtained the go-ahead and expect the work to take a few days.
Prescribed burns and prairie management Parks staff said they have started small prescribed burns, including three areas in Hickory Hill Park on the first burn day, and that additional burns took place the following day where conditions allowed. Staff emphasized that burns are scheduled only in appropriate weather windows and are conducted by trained personnel to reduce risk and benefit prairie quality.
Ashton House Grounds REAP project Staff described an Ashton House Grounds project funded by a REAP grant that is out to bid and estimated at about $200,000. The work includes a spur from a bike trail toward the river with the city’s first bird blind, a fire pit in a less wooded area, an accessible trail connection and features such as a bike fix station, benches and bike racks.
Garden plots and memorial benches Parks staff said garden plots are popular: the city manages 271 plots across four parks and has renewed 214 (about 80%). Renewals open to the public on March 18 for remaining plots. The commission also discussed the memorial bench program; staff said the program accepts donations for benches and plaques, is limited by staff capacity (10–12 benches per year) and is currently filled for the year.
Volunteer features and Water Works Park A commissioner asked about tree swallow houses at Water Works Park; staff said those structures were installed by a community volunteer and may not have been replaced this season because the volunteer may be unavailable. Staff suggested contacting Tyler for volunteer coordination.
What’s next The Ashton House project is out to bid; staff will evaluate responses and return with recommendations. Parks staff said they will continue planned pruning, burns and park maintenance and will publicize garden plot availability on March 18.
