Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town council approves up to 11 new trees at Veterans Field
Summary
The Little Compton Tree Committee won council backing to plant up to 11 native trees at Veterans Field after the recreation committee and volunteers reviewed site constraints.
The Little Compton Town Council voted unanimously March 6 to authorize the Tree Committee to plant up to 11 trees at Veterans Field, a project the committee said is funded by resident donations and a grant from the Little Compton Garden Club.
The vote came after a presentation by Sue, a Tree Committee member, who described the plan, why Veterans Field needs shade and succession planting, and how the committee coordinated with the recreation committee and DigSafe to avoid underground utilities.
The Tree Committee presented an aerial plan and on‑site staking of proposed locations; it said the project focuses on the gravel road off Meeting House Lane and near the playground, and that all proposed specimens will be native species chosen for resiliency and to avoid interfering with recreational uses. "The playground area has plastic slides that get really hot," Sue said in explaining the need for shade. The committee said it plans to replace aging sycamore maples and other struggling specimens proactively rather than waiting until trees fail.
John LaRue, introduced by the council as a new member of the Recreation Committee, offered technical input on play‑equipment clearances and said he would help identify deep‑rooting species that minimize surface root migration near playground surfacing. The committee said it will check locations with DigSafe before planting and monitor the new trees after installation.
Nut graf: The planting is intended to increase shade, safety and long‑term tree health at a heavily used public recreation site. The committee said funding is in hand from donations and a Garden Club grant, but that coordination with public works and utility marking is required before the work begins.
Council discussion was brief and supportive. A motion was made and seconded to approve "plant up to 11 trees where the tree committee feels appropriate," and the council recorded the outcome by voice vote: "Aye."
The committee estimated the planting will take time to procure the right native specimens and that on‑the‑ground staking is already complete; volunteers and the recreation committee will help with follow‑up monitoring. The committee asked for the council's formal backing to simplify permitting and coordination with town departments.
Ending: Committee members and council members said they expect the planting to start once underground utilities are marked and the final species list is procured. The committee thanked residents for donations and the Little Compton Garden Club for grant support.
