Park volunteers, tree health and capital needs top maintenance updates; splash pad controller eyed for replacement

Waite Park staff and volunteers updated the park board on landscaping, tree health and capital maintenance concerns on Feb. 5, including volunteer hours, ash-tree treatments, and preliminary budgeting for equipment replacement.

Jeannie, the landscape coordinator, reported that volunteers contributed 820 hours last year and that 24 volunteers participated across tasks including new planting at River's Edge Park and rock-garden cleanup. Jeannie said the city will add hanging pots along the walking trail this year and replace potting soil in about 30 planters.

Zach Dube reported on tree health in Community Park and elsewhere: “We did panel Ash Borer injections. All those trees are ash trees in that park. So they they require injections every 2 years.” Dube noted that the emerald ash borer is present in the area and that regular injections are part of the city’s strategy to protect mature trees; staff will plan reforestation where removals are necessary.

On capital needs, John Bowden said the city had requested $30,000 in the general fund to replace the splash pad controller and to add ice dam protection for the large pavilion, but those items were removed from the general fund and staff were directed to consider parkland dedication fees instead. Bowden said the Parkland Fund balance was $124,000 at the time of the meeting and that staff will solicit a new quote to determine an exact replacement cost before seeking appropriation.

Board members also heard updates that the hockey rink is running when temperatures permit and that the amphitheater (the Ledge) has several announced shows with more to come. Staff encouraged board participation in upcoming tree-planting volunteer days.