Parks staff plan Main Street brick restoration; resident urges naming Heritage Park for volunteer Bob Green

The Parks Board heard two related items affecting the riverfront and downtown streetscape: a staff plan to restore Main Street brickwork and a public comment urging the board to honor a local volunteer.

Mister Hanson described work to return Main Street to its original design, saying crews are "going back to the original design and intent of Main Street" and that some plant beds are dilapidated and causing liability concerns. He said the brick pattern will be "brick to tree, brick to tree," and that although tree grates will not be reinstalled, the design will leave space for trees and use hanging baskets and potted plants to improve uniformity and reduce maintenance.

Hanson also raised enforcement and signage concerns after multiple incidents of people driving across athletic fields and graffiti at Crystal Beach, saying the town needs better signage and patrols to protect investments such as the pool and course.

During public comment, Lisa Ferguson of Keeney 2nd Street proposed the board consider naming the expanded riverfront area after longtime volunteer Bob Green: "I think that'd be a great way to look at honoring him and what he did to save it and change it and add to it." She also urged clearer on-site signs at Crystal Beach to direct visitors to the correct pass and payment lines so staff and visitors avoid confusion.

Why it matters: Main Street restoration affects downtown safety, maintenance costs and pedestrian access; the naming request is a formal public suggestion to recognize volunteer stewardship and would require future board or council action.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with design work and maintenance planning; the naming suggestion was noted in public comment for future consideration by the board or city council.