Newton council approves $3,600 for Clarke Park trees; discusses walking path and pickleball sound barriers

The Newton Town Council on Feb. 5 approved spending $3,600 to purchase 27 25‑gallon trees for Clarke Park, contingent on a $2,500 grant from Tree Utah and supplemented by the town’s RAPZ population allocation. Brandon Taylor moved to approve the town’s share; Jed Woodward seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Roland Griffin, representing the Clarke Park committee, told the council sound‑barrier mats for the park’s new pickleball courts would likely be ineffective at current fence height and said 10‑foot barriers or a taller fence would be needed to address noise while preserving spectator sight lines. Mayor Craig Rigby asked staff for more information on the mats; Anzl Rhodes agreed to collect cost estimates for extending the existing fence to 10 feet.

The committee described a proposed 5‑foot‑wide walking path around Clarke Park — built with 4 inches of compacted road base and 3 inches of asphalt, requiring a 7‑foot excavation — estimated at about $30,000. The council discussed applying for RAPZ funding to help cover the path. The trees would be planted roughly 7 feet from the path and at least 13 feet from property lines; volunteers would handle planting to reduce labor costs. Roland said the committee plans to plant in March or April and will have Gaylen Maughan locate sprinkler lines before digging.

Council members and volunteers also discussed park irrigation and access: adding a secondary hose bib near the center of the park, using temporary drip irrigation from 5‑gallon buckets, prohibiting motorized vehicles on the path with posted signage, and tracking watering duties for newly planted trees. Cody Bartlett offered volunteer labor to pour a proposed 16‑by‑30‑foot cement pad for donated picnic tables; he estimated about $1,500 for cement and $500 for gravel. Jed Woodward noted three metal picnic tables are available for donation.

Council members flagged a separate $6,800 estimate to decommission an overhead phone line running through the park and discussed preserving an open area for the soccer field by eliminating two planned trees in the center if needed because of drought concerns. The council clarified that the $3,600 purchase of trees is contingent on the Tree Utah grant and would be supplemented by RAPZ population funds.

The decision leaves further design details — fence height, sound‑mitigation choice, exact irrigation commitments and any ordinance or sign text limiting motorized access — to follow‑up estimates and future council action.