City staff and watershed partners told the Park Entry Committee they have an approved, multi-year restoration project for Ames Creek tied to a DEQ supplemental environmental project, and they outlined aggressive invasive-plant controls and future native plantings.

Public works and watershed representatives said the plan grew from a negotiated alternative to paying a full DEQ fine after wastewater violations; instead of a larger cash fine, the city and partners proposed restoration work estimated at roughly $1,718,000, with the city still paying about $4,700 directly to DEQ. The project will include mowing, clearing overgrown brush, blanketing areas of reed canary grass and blackberries this fall, and planting native species after a one-year suppression period.

Staff emphasized the project is multi-year, likely three to four years, and will require repeated treatments: “It is a multi year project. It probably take 3, 4 years,” a staff speaker said. For marshy areas near the former pond the team plans to blanket the ground with a heavy fabric to suppress invasive seeds and regrowth, remove the blanket after a year and then replant with native species. The group said the approach avoids repeated herbicide application in water-adjacent zones.

Separately, the committee discussed ivy marked on trees and other invasive growth in South Hills Trail and Sankey Park. Public works staff described relying primarily on cutting ivy from tree trunks and removing vines at the base, and warned that large-scale spraying would be costly and that spot treatments are unlikely to eliminate recurrences without ongoing follow-up. Committee members recommended volunteer work parties to cut and remove ivy where feasible.

The parks group also reviewed responses to drought-stressed trees at Northside and Evergreen Park. Staff said they will deploy 20-gallon slow-drip tree-watering bags around young and flagging trees for a deep, 24-hour soak and remove the bags in winter for reuse. Staff advised that consistent watering over the first three to four years after planting is important for tree survival.

Finally, the committee noted vandalism had closed one site (Weddell Bridal area) for roughly two weeks and discussed possibly reopening the park side while monitoring for further issues. Committee members also announced that Bob Dalton has resigned for health reasons and that the committee will advertise a vacancy and address vice-chair succession at an upcoming meeting.