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Wasilla leaders defend safety-driven changes at Nunley Park after surprise tree removal
Summary
City officials described safety, drainage and play-structure concerns as the reasons for removing trees and planning an overhaul at Nunley Park, but several council members and residents said the work should have been presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the council before trees were cut.
Public Works Director Eric Shaw told the Wasilla City Council that crews removed trees at Nunley Park after inspections showed the park’s play structures and a caboose posed safety and maintenance hazards, and he said staff will return with a master plan for playground replacement, drainage improvements and other upgrades.
The announcement, and the fact the trees were removed before a plan was shown to council or the Parks and Recreation Commission, drew sharp criticism from Councilmember Stu Graham and others who said the public and advisory bodies were not given notice or a chance to weigh in.
“The caboose not only providing immense liability to the city, it also kind of divides the typical use of the park,” Shaw said, adding the caboose has lead paint and asbestos and that the city will seek a new home for it or…
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