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Oakwood public works updates park master plan, hires tree‑trimming and mowing contractors
Summary
Public Works Director Doug Spitler told council Oakwood is working with Bayer Becker on park master plans for Schaefer and Orchardly parks, evaluating Old River fields with Field Source Ohio, and has contracted MBI for tree trimming and Grunder Landscaping for mowing and aeration.
Public Works Director Doug Spitler presented a broad operations update to Oakwood City Council on April 6, covering park planning, field-condition studies, new vendor contracts and routine infrastructure work.
Spitler said the city is developing a park master plan for high‑use Schaefer Park and Orchardly Park with consultant Bayer Becker of Mason, Ohio; design alternatives will be shared with council and the public in May, and an open house will be scheduled. “We started back in the fall of 2025…they’re currently looking at design alternatives that they’ll present to us in May,” Spitler said.
Oakwood is also evaluating playing fields at Old River with Field Source Ohio to identify 'good, better, best' maintenance and capital options and their associated costs. Spitler said the city will work with Oakwood United soccer to develop a shared plan for upkeep and use.
Two contracts were highlighted. The city selected MBI (a local tree‑service firm) for tree trimming; Spitler noted the contractor has an on‑staff arborist and will be used for city right‑of‑way trees and emergency work as needed. For mowing and aeration, the successful bidder is Grunder Landscaping Company under a performance‑specification contract; the agreement allows the city to evaluate performance after the first year and, if metrics are met, extend the contract for up to three additional years.
Spitler also reviewed seasonal operations: the annual hydrant‑flushing program will cover the west side of Far Hills through April 10, move to the east side April 13–29 and finish around May 1. Regarding refuse and recycling, he cited an 11‑year average of about 3,458 tons of refuse annually and about 548 tons of recycling; cardboard revenue increased from roughly $9,700 in 2024 to about $14,500 in 2025. Leaf mulch distribution is available free for self‑service or city delivery ($100 for 3 cubic yards; $150 for 6). Spitler noted the city sends refuse to the Montgomery County transfer station and recycling to an external processor.
On sewer operations, Spitler said Oakwood has roughly 40 miles of sanitary lines and aims to clean the entire system on a three‑year cycle; the city performed inspections and used about 1,021 tons of material in the most recent combined season. Salt for winter operations is procured through a cooperative purchasing program (Swap 4G); current contracts run through July and will be rebid, and Spitler warned of recent market volatility for salt prices.
Council members asked about open‑house timing for the park master plan, field maintenance cost‑sharing with outside users, and whether the contracted arborist would be available for private trees; Spitler clarified the arborist is contracted for city‑owned/rights‑of‑way trees only and that park‑planning dates will be published when set.
The public‑works briefing ends with staff follow‑ups scheduled for the May meeting when the council will consider ordinances tied to the street‑lighting and sidewalk programs.
