Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Forest topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Overland Park staff report parks events, ash tree removals and resident concerns about "volcano" mulching
Summary
Parks staff updated the committee on farmers market, Maple Hills Park dedication, ongoing ash tree removals funded with ARPA, and residents’ reports that recently planted city trees were damaged by excessive mulch.
Park staff told the Overland Park Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee that spring events and capital work are underway while the multi‑year ash tree removal and replanting program continues.
Brian (parks staff) gave event and project updates: the Oak Park Farmers Market at Matt Ross Community Center will open on April 19 with Wednesday markets starting June 4; the Legacy of Greenery seedling giveaway is April 12 at Thompson Park and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center; the Arboretum plant sale is scheduled for April 24–26; and Maple Hills Park will be dedicated on May 1 with a noon ceremony at 80 5th and Schweitzer. Brian also described phased excavation, utility and storm sewer work at the farmers market parking site and said some parking areas will be closed for several months while work proceeds.
On the city’s Ash tree program, staff said Phase 1 removals and replantings are complete; Phase 2 is about 75% complete with a contract deadline of June 1; and Phase 3 removals will begin this spring under the same contractor. Staff said updated maps showing completed and in‑progress removals/plantings are available online for neighborhood reference.
A council member raised concerns about “volcano mulching” at newly planted city trees—mounding mulch high around the trunk—and asked staff to inspect and correct any improper mulch that may be harming new plantings. Parks staff agreed to inspect and address issues; a committee member asked that the city forester follow up to correct contractor work where needed.
Why it matters: the committee said accurate online maps and clear maintenance standards help neighbors understand scheduled removals and expected replacements; committee members urged staff to use the city’s approved street tree list and to diversify species so neighborhoods are less vulnerable to single‑species pests or disease.
Ending: staff said spring planting season remains active and the city will budget for additional plantings next year; committee members asked staff to ensure city contractors avoid volcano mulching and to confirm inspection follow up to protect new plantings.
