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Lauren Park: Commission clears removal of dead and declining trees, urges replanting and diversity around new courts
Summary
The commission approved removing dead and declining non-native trees along the tennis/pickleball courts at Lauren Park and three declining black cherries; it asked for replanting with larger, diverse native trees where space allows and to incorporate bioretention plantings in redesign.
The City of Kingston Tree Commission authorized removal of multiple dead or severely declining trees at Lauren Park, including a row of non-native species along the tennis-court fence and three black cherry trees near the compost-drop area, and urged plans to replace them with larger, more diverse plantings.
Suzanne Haigh Hill and Brent, the urban forester, presented photos and site observations showing many of the trees along the courts were over 70 percent dead or otherwise in decline. The commission was told the tennis court area is being reshaped to accommodate pickleball; a new bioretention swale will replace a grass strip between courts and will be planted with native shrubs and grasses.
Commissioners voted to permit removal of the standing-dead locusts, white mulberries and Norway maples along the fence and the three declining black cherries, with the expectation that at least three replacement trees—preferably larger shade species and greater species diversity—will be planted near the compost fence or where space allows to provide shade for the parking area. Members requested that replacement plans avoid monocultures and asked staff to encourage a mix of native species.
Staff said the engineering design for the swale will use planting specifications similar to other city projects and noted the work must be timed to avoid impacts to bird/bat nesting seasons. The commission also discussed opportunities to expand plantings in nearby open areas and to relocate some planting efforts to enhance shade and landscape value for park users.
A motion to remove the dead trees and allow the three black cherry removals passed after amendment to require replacement plantings and standard removal conditions. Staff will coordinate with the project engineers and the conservation advisory council on planting specifications and timing.
