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Parks board accepts $20,000 donation to launch Jim Cleveland wildflower field; larger costs still under review
Summary
The board accepted $20,000 from Jim Cleveland to support a named wildflower field at Pigeon Hill Preserve; staff said total establishment costs may range from about $60,000 to $100,000 and discussed invasive‑species management and next steps with the city council.
The Parks Commission accepted a $20,000 donation from Jim Cleveland to support creation of the Jim Cleveland wildflower garden at Pigeon Hill Preserve, while staff and commissioners cautioned that total implementation costs will be higher and invasive‑species control will shape management choices.
A parks partner has also committed $50,000 toward environmental learning and implementation, but vendor estimates provided to the board ranged from roughly $60,000 to $100,000 for full site preparation and seeding. "The seed is what's very expensive," a commissioner observed during discussion of cost drivers and invasive species removal.
Staff outlined management concerns, saying the site has a heavy presence of mugwort, a hard‑to‑remove invasive plant. Commissioners discussed options that include selective herbicide use, mechanical removal and phased plantings to balance ecological concerns with donor expectations.
The board voted to accept the donation and agreed to refer acceptance to the city council for final receipt of funds and any contractual requirements. Staff said they will return with more detailed cost estimates and an implementation plan that specifies invasive‑species approaches before work begins.
Next steps: city council acceptance of the donation, staff/partner development of a site plan that addresses mugwort control, and a costed timeline for seeding and sign installation.
