Parks commission approves playground replacements after staff discloses tree misidentification

The Middleton Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission voted to approve final playground designs for Stonefield, Woodside Heights and Hawkridge after staff disclosed a site-plan error that had flagged a young tree for removal.

Staff member Kylie told the commission she had missed a tree noted on the site plan and acknowledged the mistake: "I just wanted to air out that I made an error and didn't respond appropriately at the last meeting," she said. The tree — a small 'hardy rubber' specimen that staff are trialing to diversify the urban forest — had been labeled an ash by the surveyor, prompting its initial removal designation.

Staff recommended transplanting the 3-inch tree to a nearby location within the approved budget and said they had consulted a contractor on viability. The commission discussed species identification, transplant feasibility and design trade-offs for safety zones and tree preservation. Architect Blake explained design choices affecting equipment footprint and safety zones, saying, "I believe that's a seven foot top bar," and noting the lower bar helps keep the fall zone compact and preserve surrounding trees.

A motion to approve the design plan for all three parks was moved by Katie and seconded; the commission voiced support and the motion carried. After approving the designs, the commission briefly adjusted the agenda order to accommodate a presenter’s schedule.

What happens next: staff will proceed with the approved design and the transplant plan for the misidentified tree; contractors will carry out transplanting as scheduled under the existing project budget and timeline. The commission did not specify additional budget changes during the meeting.

Sources: Statements and votes recorded live at the March 16, 2026 Middleton Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission meeting.