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Board approves removal of fence at Blue Hole spray field for native-habitat restoration
Summary
The parks board approved staff’s recommendation to remove fencing around a three-acre abandoned spray field at Blue Hole and restore it as native prairie and interpretive habitat, with an amendment to integrate trail connectivity and living-habitat exhibits.
Staff presented a plan for the abandoned three-acre spray field at Blue Hole that includes removing the fence, mowing/tilling, seeding with native species and using the area as a wildflower/tall‑grass prairie with interpretive signage and trail connections. "It's not being used, and we are now free to do whatever we would like to do with it," the presenter said.
Board members discussed options raised previously—dog park, amphitheater, expanded parking—but favored a low-infrastructure restoration that fits community preferences expressed in the Blue Hole survey (less built infrastructure, more habitat and trails). Members noted buried PVC irrigation pipes across portions of the field and recommended leaving most underground infrastructure in place unless a future construction decision required removal.
A motion to remove the fence and restore the area as native habitat, amended to include integration with the nature center exhibits and trail connections, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said the recommendation will go to city council because the work involves significant park acreage and removal of fencing.
Board members asked staff to engage partners (native-prairie groups, volunteers and potential grant sources) and to plan for phased restoration and monitoring; they also suggested site visits and further soil assessments before large-scale interventions. The board recorded the motion and amendment in the minutes and will forward a recommendation to council.
