Milton council approves Parks Board 2025 work plan, including tree-retention and Hill Tower Park design

The Milton City Council voted 6-0 Monday to approve the Parks Board's work plan for 2025, a continuation of the city's 2019 visioning agenda.

Director Madden told council the plan contains six categories of work, including a quarterly assessment schedule for playground equipment, a park-specific tree-retention plan, parking improvements at Milton Community Park and preliminary designs for Hill Tower Park. "This work plan is a continuation of work plans that you've seen over the last 3 years and will continue to execute on the 2019 visioning plan," Director Madden said.

Mayor Pro Tem Portim Whitaker moved to approve the plan, and Council Member Hall seconded the motion. Whitaker said he welcomed the plan's flexibility; Hall said community involvement and children's use of parks were central to the proposal. Council Member Cedar asked whether the park tree-retention plan would replace the city's existing street-tree code; staff said the park plan would be separate and aimed at trees internal to the park system, and any final policy would return to council for review.

The plan notes the city will prioritize maintenance funding for playground structures, pursue a tree-retention approach for large park trees (citing Oak Street design as an example), continue Park Appreciation Day and the Skate Milton event, and staff a booth at Milton Days. Officials said Hill Tower Park improvements are in preliminary design and will be reviewed by the Parks Board.

The council's approval was procedural and carried without public opposition. Council members and staff said project specifics and timing will be developed through the Parks Board and future council reviews.