Laurel Park-Tree Board approves May minutes, votes to study permanent toilets at Billie Riddle Splash Park

The Laurel Park-Tree Board met June 4 in Council Chambers and approved the minutes from its May 7 meeting after a motion by committee member Richard Klose, seconded by Brent Edgmond. The meeting was called to order by Chair Tom Canape at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:28 p.m.; minutes were submitted by Jon Rutt.

Committee member Jon Rutt moved that the board investigate installing permanent toilets at Billie Riddle Splash Park; Richard Klose seconded the motion and the minutes record the motion as approved. The minutes do not include a roll-call tally or a recorded dissenting vote; the recorded outcome is 'approved' for both the minutes and the toilets investigation motion.

Other items discussed included a floating island proposal for South Pond that has been forwarded to City Council for review; the return of Fir Field to city control with the Storm soccer team agreeing to maintain it; a report that a Nutting Park sprinkler contractor performed poorly; and ongoing efforts to rent Riverside Hall (reported as getting busier). The minutes note a 'slight homeless problem' at the Riverside Park campground and state that police are 'working on a solution,' while otherwise reporting the campground is in use and in good condition. The minutes record that the City Council has not yet decided whether the Laurel Rod and Gun Club building can be used. The board discussed tree availability and decided to pursue plantings next year; the Laurel Public Library asked about replacing the Elsie Johnson Memorial Tree with a bench. Board members also discussed a potential sensory park at the new W 12th Park or Murray Park and a request to chip seal the walking path at South Pond.

The board set its next meeting for July 2, 2026. The minutes do not record additional formal votes or budget allocations for the matters discussed.