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Council approves America in Bloom funds for Ludington Park path enhancements after debate over plant choices and maintenance
Summary
Escanaba council approved using America in Bloom funds to add arboretum-style plantings along the existing Ludington Park path; residents expressed concerns about number of planting sites and choice of nonnative versus native species and maintenance burdens.
The Escanaba City Council voted May 15 to permit use of America in Bloom funds to enhance an existing path in Ludington Park with trees and woody shrubs in a planned "arboretum-type" approach.
Enhance Escanaba and volunteer organizers presented diagrams showing multiple planting areas along the path and said the proposal emphasizes low-maintenance woody plants and flowering shrubs rather than mass plantings that require frequent deadheading and pruning. Organizers said the design was intended to be durable and community-involved; they listed anticipated volunteer support from Boy Scouts and an Eagle Scout preparing an educational kiosk.
At least two public commenters asked the council to reconsider the scale and plant palette. Resident Lehi Vandywater said he "has a concern about having 25 of these areas for trees and shrubs" and urged the council and committee to take another look at spatial layout and to increase the proportion of native species. Another resident, Glenn Vandywater, noted that the proposed plants are deciduous and will drop leaves, which raises maintenance questions for city crews.
Project proponents said the plan deliberately chose woody shrubs and trees that are "more self maintained" to minimize ongoing upkeep. Councilors asked whether the recreation advisory board retained approval authority; presenters clarified the recreation board would no longer have final approval of the design. Staff and the organizers said they will notify the community about volunteer opportunities and timing once administrative steps were complete.
Vote and implementation: the motion to permit use of America in Bloom funds for the Ludington Park path enhancement passed on roll call (one abstention recorded). Organizers said installation will proceed quickly once procurement and scheduling are set; the city will provide sod removal in-kind and volunteers will assist with planting and kiosk installation.
What remains unsettled: commenters asked for more native species in the planting palette and requested clearer commitments about who will perform longer-term maintenance; councilors and staff said those operational details will be coordinated with public works and volunteer groups after project approval.
