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Highlander Park laydown site cleared; hydroseeding and grading to finish before Highland Games
Summary
City staff reported at the Jan. 9 meeting that debris removal at Highlander Park is complete, soil testing is under way, irrigation installed, and hydroseeding expected in late January with the site ready for April Highland Games.
City parks staff told the Dunedin City Commission on Jan. 9 that Highlander Park, used as a laydown site after the recent hurricanes, has had debris removed and is being graded, with irrigation installed and hydroseeding scheduled to restore turf ahead of spring events.
Parks and Recreation Director Vince Gizzie said crews completed debris removal and were finishing site grading; a soil sample sent to a lab would return results within about seven days. "We did a soil sample on Wednesday, so that goes off to the labs, and we should get that back within 7 days," Gizzie said. He added that, if any contamination is found, staff expects simple remediation such as scraping and replacing topsoil.
Gizzie said irrigation materials have been delivered and will be installed by the end of January, followed by hydroseeding and a final walk-through in early February; fencing will remain until the grass is established, with staff expecting the site to be ready for the Highland Games on April 4–5. "We do anticipate being ready for the Highland Games, in early April," he said.
Commissioners asked why staff chose hydroseeding rather than sod; Gizzie replied that the method promotes quicker germination and is more cost-effective when paired with irrigation. City staff emphasized the stepwise, methodical process to ensure safety and remediation before reopening the park.
The commission did not take formal action; staff will continue grading, testing and restoration work and return updates as needed.
