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Park board reviews lighting, trees, playgrounds and safety reports across city parks
Summary
Board members received updates on Sherman Park lighting estimates, urban forestry planting plans, Damon Park, Oakland improvements, mulch and vandalism reports; residents raised concerns about drug activity and parking near several parks.
Park Board members reviewed a series of small-to-medium park updates at their meeting, including lighting estimates for Sherman Park, an urban forestry planting plan for Reinartz Boulevard and Miami Park, ongoing contractor-maintenance for mulch and vandalism repairs, and community safety concerns.
Sherman Park lighting: Staff said quotes were being obtained to light newly improved areas near the playground; initial estimates were roughly $10,000, with formal quotes expected in the coming weeks. Board members discussed whether funding could come from another department’s budget and asked staff to pursue alternatives.
Urban forestry grant and planting plan: A consultant, Wendy Van Buren, provided a planting plan for Reinartz Boulevard and portions of Miami Park. The plan recommends specific species to fill gaps in existing plantings and the board said the work could be funded by grant money. Board members asked for clarification of map keys and species abbreviations and said staff will follow up with the consultant.
Damon Park and Oakland updates: Damon Park work remains on hold pending final Goldman Park cost clarity. Oakland Park will receive a new playground and exercise equipment and a shelter near the playground; other concrete areas will remain as planned. Contract maintenance crews recently delivered mulch at several parks, producing visible improvements.
Vandalism and safety reports: Board members noted vandalism at Crawford Park (a missing sign face) and ongoing concerns about encampments and alleged drug activity at Sherman Park. A resident/contact reported difficulty getting timely police response during shift changes. Board members suggested residents report incidents to the police and asked staff to coordinate with the police department; no formal enforcement action was directed by the board at this meeting.
Other items: The board heard that the Middletown Garden Club is redoing a park sign and that volunteers plan tree plantings in Golden Park and preschool Lorax programming. Members encouraged continued communication with community groups and pledged to improve meeting advance notice when citizens request to present.
