City staff on Aug. 4 presented certificates of appreciation for the Forestry Creek Trail project, which replaced aging asphalt paths under the Japanese Garden Bridge and improved connections among parking areas and trails in City Park.

City staff described the work as an engineering and crew effort that included demolition of old trail surfaces, contractor pours of new concrete, and volunteer support from the Dallas Rotary Club during demolition. The council and staff highlighted contributions from parks maintenance supervisor Owen Barth, support services supervisor Michael Pierce, and public works crew member Cooper Heiss.

In the same portion of the meeting, Public Works Director Jennifer Warders introduced two new public works employees; one will be introduced at a later meeting. Warders formally announced that Michael Pierce has been named the city’s new support services supervisor, a position that had been vacant.

Council members applauded the project and the staff’s coordination with volunteers. The presentations were ceremonial recognitions; no formal council action was required.