Evansville parks board approves $21,850 tree-removal contract, Wesselman Woods renovation and hydration-station support

The Board of Parks Commissioners on Aug. 21 approved several contracts and letters of support affecting parks maintenance and small capital repairs.

The board unanimously approved a contract with Randy's Tree Service to remove six hazardous trees identified by the city arborist at multiple park properties. Staff stated the total contract cost is $21,850 and said the removals cover parks including Lorraine Pool, Willard Library/CK Newsome Center and Cod Caldwell Park. The board approved the contract by voice vote.

Director Crook asked the board to approve a $7,800 renovation to enclose the upstairs area of the Wesselman Woods nature center to create permanent office space. Crook said the project would be funded through a grant application to the Evansville Endowment Fund and would require the board’s blessing because it is a permanent property change; the board approved the request.

The board also agreed to provide a letter of support and a copy of the minutes for a grant application to replace an existing water fountain at the LST site with a commercially maintained hydration station. Crook said the parks department would not supply city funds for that project and is only providing documentation and a support letter.

The consent agenda — which included multiple permits and use agreements (library cultural events, Swander Ice Arena agreements, fence-repair and tree-removal contracts at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden, and ice arena use agreements with local organizations) — was read and approved by voice vote.

The meeting concluded after the board accepted payroll and vendor claims and adjourned.