Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee approves memorial plaque, tree-plan revisions and 10-year CIP

The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee on Wednesday, March 12, approved the consent minutes from Feb. 12, 2025, granted a request to install a memorial plaque at the Fairgrounds Softball Facility honoring Kyle Tisdale, adopted a revised tree-replacement plan near the Bray Park pickleball courts (version 2) and approved the department’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as presented.

The approvals came by voice votes with no recorded dissent. Committee members moved and seconded the motions in open session at the Second Street Community Center wine room.

Committee members heard a request from Jeff and Treba Tisdale to place a memorial plaque recognizing their son, Kyle Tisdale, and his long-standing volunteer work with the local softball community. Justin (Parks and Recreation staff) said the plaque would include a photo of Kyle, a short paragraph about his contributions to the Marshfield softball community and a bank of nameplates to record winners of the Marshfield Invitational Tournament (MIT). The family said they will pay the plaque’s cost in full and prepay 10 to 15 years of nameplates.

“The plaque will feature a photo of Kyle, a brief paragraph highlighting his dedication to the Marshfield softball community,” Justin said in introducing the request. After brief council comment calling the design “a fitting tribute,” the committee approved the plaque request by voice vote.

The committee also reviewed competing proposals for replacing arborvitae trees that run along the pickleball courts and near disc-golf baskets. Justin said the department favored a revised plan from Shallow’s Nursery that moves plantings away from disc-golf baskets and removes several trees that interfered with play. Representatives who provided input on the plan—Brenda Sherman, Dave Jordan and David Tiffany—told the committee the revised layout addresses most player concerns while leaving some south- and west-side plantings to be adjusted later to account for planned sidewalks and parking.

“Both versions should be in your packet tonight,” Justin said, noting the committee intends to implement the north-side planting work first and evaluate south- and west-side changes with future construction. The committee adopted version 2 of the tree plan by voice vote.

Finally, Justin presented the department’s 10-year CIP forecast focused on parks, cemetery and fairgrounds projects. The CIP identifies near-term projects the department can control (2026–27) and longer-range items that depend on funding and donations. Noted line items included a $250,000 allocation for Wenzel stage covering and a placeholder figure of $6,000,000 for a proposed multipurpose “Cultural Expo Building and Office.” Justin said funding for large projects typically will come from a mix of room tax receipts, grants, donations and long-term debt, and cautioned that the schedule may shift if new donations or urgent repairs arise.

Committee members discussed funding sources and next steps for items not yet advanced to council. The committee approved the CIP as presented by voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Approve minutes from Feb. 12, 2025 — Motion: approve minutes from 02/12/2025. Mover: Brett. Second: Ben. Outcome: approved (voice vote; no recorded opposition).

- Memorial plaque for Kyle Tisdale at Fairgrounds Softball Facility — Motion: approve installation of memorial plaque and prepaid nameplates at Fairgrounds Softball Facility as described in packet. Mover: Committee Chair (name not specified). Second: Ben. Outcome: approved (voice vote; no recorded opposition). Notes: Family will cover full cost and prepay 10–15 years of nameplates; plaque will include photo and MIT winners plate bank.

- Arbor/tree replacement plan (version 2) near Bray Park pickleball courts — Motion: approve revised tree plan (version 2) that relocates plantings away from disc-golf baskets and removes selected arborvitae. Mover: Committee member (not specified). Second: not specified. Outcome: approved (voice vote; no recorded opposition). Notes: North-side work prioritized; south/west plantings may be deferred pending sidewalk/parking work and elevation constraints.

- Parks, Recreation and Forestry Capital Improvement Program (10-year) — Motion: approve CIP as presented. Mover: Chelsea. Second: Ben. Outcome: approved (voice vote; no recorded opposition). Notes: CIP funding sources cited include room tax (approximately $145,000/year), grants, donations and long-term debt; department highlighted that major projects may require additional private or grant funding.

Discussion vs. decision

- Discussion-only items included committee questions about project timing, locations and funding sources (for the CIP and for future restroom projects). Justin clarified that some projects are advanced only when additional funding or donor commitments are secured.

- The committee provided direction to staff to proceed with the plaque installation coordination with Park and Recreation staff, to implement the north-side elements of the approved tree plan, and to proceed with the CIP as adopted (subject to council approval for any required appropriations).

- Formal actions taken were the four approvals listed above.

Clarifying details

- Memorial plaque: family will cover entire cost and prepay 10–15 years of nameplates; plaque will include a photo, brief paragraph about Kyle’s contributions and MIT winners nameplates. Kyle is described in the packet as a Marshall High School graduate (class of 2004) who volunteered with local softball leagues; he died in March 2024 (as reported by the family).

- Arbor/tree plan: the approved version 2 relocates several trees away from disc-golf baskets, removes one or more trees that crowded play areas, and leaves south- and west-side plantings to be reconsidered because of an intended sidewalk and parking area and elevation constraints.

- CIP funding: room tax is identified as a primary recurring source (listed in materials at about $145,000/year); department also expects grants, private donations and long-term debt to fund major projects. A noted DNR grant of $25,000 was awarded to Legacy Trees for a separate citywide planting program described later in the meeting.

Proper names

Marshfield (city); Fairgrounds Softball Facility; Marshfield Invitational Tournament (MIT); Marshall High School.