Board approves 2026 tree‑planting plan, nine Norway pines and screening grasses for Memorial and Lum areas

The Brainerd City Park and Recreation Board approved a 2026 tree‑planting plan that would use the board’s $25,000 tree budget to install roughly nine Norway pines and supplemental plantings to screen stormwater features.

Jesse, a parks staff member, outlined the plan and said staff had worked with Community Development Director James Crownvic to identify locations including a stretch of Norway pines along Mill Avenue at Memorial Park, with silver flame grass used as a natural screen around stormwater basins. Jesse said the current estimate is “just under $25,000,” and that the board could expand Norway pine plantings if favorable pricing reduced overall costs.

Board members asked whether proposed trees would conflict with a planned skate park and whether future curb‑cut access from Mill Avenue (which a member noted is a county highway) could require spacing changes. Jesse said the proposed pines were mostly in the right‑of‑way and that coordination with the county would be required for any curb cut. One board member noted tree removal and the need for netting to protect ballfields could add long‑term costs, while another suggested the grass plantings would be a low‑maintenance screening solution.

A motion to approve the 2026 tree‑planting proposal was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Jesse provided an estimated per‑tree cost of about $1,500 and said the nine Norway pines accounted for roughly half of the budget, with grasses comprising the remainder. Staff agreed to confirm whether parking‑lot reclamation in the capital plan would affect the tree locations.

The board asked staff to return with any coordinating steps needed for county curb‑cut approval and for final planting locations that avoid conflicts with upcoming projects.