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Commission plans to stake leaning trees and explore planting a shade belt at university soccer fields
Summary
Members agreed to organize a small volunteer effort to stake 5–7 leaning trees along the bike path and discussed outreach to the Athens Ohio Soccer Organization about planting shade trees near new West Side fields; questions remain about land ownership and long-term maintenance.
Commission members turned a portion of the Feb. 18 meeting to practical planting work and possible new sites. After members reported that several of the recently planted trees along the bike path outside the outdoor gym are leaning, Speaker 2 estimated "maybe 5 to 6 to 7 trees" need staking. Commissioners agreed the work could likely be handled by a small group using parts' stakes and the commission's tools and discussed scheduling a Saturday volunteer session.
The meeting also included an update from Speaker 4 about outreach to the Athens Ohio Soccer Organization (AOSO). Speaker 4 said a contact on the soccer board was enthusiastic and that Speaker 4 will discuss tree siting at the board's next meeting and follow up with the commission. Members discussed that the fields appear to be on university land and that the organization has a long-term contract for the site; Speaker 4 referenced a contract length of roughly "20 to 25 years." Speaker 2 raised maintenance questions: if trees are planted, who will be responsible for long-term care — the university (OU), the soccer organization or the city?
Members discussed possible fruit or agroforestry plantings in collaboration with university programs and agreed site visits and a joint meeting with AOSO leadership would be useful next steps. The commission did not make any formal planting commitments; members emphasized the need to confirm landowner permissions and maintenance responsibilities before proceeding.
