Casey Taylor, chair of the Huber Heights Parks and Recreation Board, briefed council Nov. 5 on recent programming and tree work and described plans for next year's events and volunteer activities.

The presentation said the YMCA provided swim lessons and youth sports to thousands this year, the Kroger Aquatic Center recorded 34,565 guests for the season, and the YMCA expansion opened to members in late October with a formal ribbon cutting scheduled for Nov. 14. Parks staff reported the "Heaver's Happy Haunted Trail" drew about 2,000 visitors across two days and a holiday craft show attracted roughly 590 shoppers.

On trees, Casey said the parks team removed 11 Bradford pear trees at Shoal Gate and replanted 10 new specimens (redbuds, dwarf oaks, dogwoods, magnolias and pines). Parks Director Sarah said staff will communicate more broadly about the removals and replacements so residents understand the program and legal requirements: "We're not just cutting trees down," she said.

Sarah also presented a proposed public tree ordinance that would assign management responsibilities to public works and parks managers, create a tree master plan with pruning and maintenance standards, and position the city to apply for Tree City USA recognition. She told council the city already meets the qualifications for Tree City USA and is exceeding some standards; staff said securing the designation would improve eligibility for urban forestry grants.

The parks board also reported programming for 2026 including park cleanups, a tree and plant giveaway, pickleball tournaments, a solitary bee program and a bike and skate safety event. The board said it will serve as the advisory tree board; if demand increases the board would consider a subcommittee or separate board for tree work.

Why it matters: Tree-removal work and replanting affect neighborhood appearance and tree canopy goals; the ordinance would set policy and funding thresholds (the Tree City USA program asks communities to pledge a minimum per-resident tree expenditure and meet maintenance and inventory standards).