Newark council approves $101,000 to clear hazards and reopen Coleman Park

The Newark City Council voted unanimously (5–0) on July 21 to authorize up to $101,000 in reserve funding to remove hazardous trees, stabilize trails and reopen Coleman Park, a small wooded park that staff said had become an “attractive nuisance” after tree failures and trail deterioration.

Councilman John Sahanick raised the issue after hearing staff reports that people were continuing to enter the closed park, including residents who use the route as a walking connection off Valley Road. City staff and the parks arborist described large hazardous trees and invasive‑plant overgrowth near established trails; they said a single contracted mobilization would be quicker and safer than an extended, piecemeal approach using existing tree‑care budgets.

Council approved a motion to waive the formal competitive‑bidding process for the limited project and to appropriate $101,000 from city reserves for the work. The motion did not specify a contractor name in the meeting record; minutes show the intent to execute a not‑to‑exceed contract for the park rehabilitation. Council members Ford, Bancroft, Brown and Sahanick and Mayor Travis McDermott voted aye.

City staff said the funding will cover hazardous‑tree removal, invasive‑plant clearing and trail stabilization sufficient to permit safe public access; a separate, longer‑term capital project could follow for additional park improvements. Staff also noted that the appropriation will use remaining tree‑care funds for the fiscal year, and future tree program requests will be budgeted in next year’s CIP.

Ending: With the vote, staff may schedule contractor mobilization; officials said they view the work as safety‑driven and intend to reopen the park as soon as the hazardous conditions are cleared.