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Oak Park Heights staff update Tree City USA bid and 2025 summer events lineup
Summary
City staff told the Parks & Trails Commission the city’s Tree City USA and growth‑award applications are pending and outlined a DNR shade‑tree grant that includes 53 removals and 57 plantings; the commission also heard a recap of 2024 summer events and community suggestions for 2025.
Acting Chair opened the Jan. 27, 2025 meeting of the Oak Park Heights Parks & Trails Commission and staff delivered multiple updates on tree and community‑events programs.
Lisa, the department liaison, said the city submitted applications for the 2024 Tree City USA designation and a Tree City USA growth award; both are pending and the city expects word this spring. She also summarized Minnesota Native Landscapes’ work at Swagger and Valley View prairie restoration sites and described a planned spring mowing program instead of a prescribed burn, with three weed‑control visits during the growing season that will be scheduled based on conditions.
On a Minnesota DNR shade‑tree bonding grant, Lisa said the local plan calls for 53 removals and 57 plantings. She reported staff had worked with the DNR Office of Management and Budget to finalize required documents and clarified questions about prevailing‑wage rules have been resolved; staff will send out quote requests for removals and mail notification letters to affected residents.
Lisa also introduced a new Arbor Month seedling‑giveaway contest: a limited number of swamp white oak seedlings will be offered via a spring newsletter slip; residents will drop slips at City Hall and winners can pick up seedlings in late April or early May.
"Last month I submitted the city's 2024 Tree City USA application and Tree City USA growth award application," Lisa said, noting both remain under review. "We had 53 tree removals to be done with that grant and the 57 plantings to be done with that grant." (Lisa, department liaison)
The commission then heard a recap of 2024 events and plans for 2025 from Annie Baris, identified in the meeting packet as the city’s summer events coordinator. Annie said a QR survey at Art in the Park returned 26 responses and that attendance for some events averages about 130 people. She reviewed recurring favorites — Art in the Park, the puppet show, International Mud Day and craft activities — and cited community suggestions for more science programming, performers, nature events and bingo.
"My name is Annie and I am the Oak Park Heights summer events coordinator," Annie said as she presented last year’s events and partnerships, including work with Valley Friendship Club, Limitless Cycling and a vendor called Chomp. (Annie Baris, summer events coordinator)
Commissioners asked about turnout and scheduling; Annie said Tuesdays have been reliable but she is experimenting with afternoons and weekends. There were no public comments during the meeting.
The commission did not take formal action on the Tree City applications or the events program; the update items remain staff work items and will come back to City Council as required by procedure.
