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Red Hook tree commission outlines spring planting, bench plan for Rec Park West
Summary
The Town of Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission on Jan. 20 approved plans to expand plantings and site work at Rec Park West, including a proposed purchase of a six-foot steel bench (estimated under $2,000) and a planting map for Budd’s Corners Rd. to be coordinated with property owners and Rec Park leadership.
At its Jan. 20 meeting, the Town of Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission discussed a package of maintenance and planting actions for Rec Park West and nearby rights-of-way aimed at improving tree cover and site resilience.
Chairman Cathy Michael and commission members reviewed a proposal to purchase a six-foot powder-coated steel bench for Rec Park West at an estimated cost under $2,000. Bookkeeper Ann Conway told the commission she "felt there wouldn’t be any problem" covering the cost within the commission’s budget. George (Hop) Michael said he will speak with Rec Park Director John Kuhn about installing the bench; the commission hopes the Recreation Department will provide a concrete base and a handicap parking space at its expense.
The commission also set plans for spring plantings on the east side of Budd’s Corners, north of the Pitcher Lane intersection. Hop Michael said he has Ken Migliorelli’s permission to plant there and is preparing a site map. Members noted Rec Park East already hosts six to eight fruit trees near the tennis courts that are doing well.
Commissioners flagged challenging conditions at Rec Park West — poor soil, hot and dry exposure and rabbit and deer pressure — and discussed species choices and establishment needs. The group discussed using miscanthus (a silver grass) for winter interest in select places and agreed newly installed plants will require substantial watering in their first year. The chairman will circulate a tree catalogue for species selection and the commission will finalize purchase and planting logistics in coming weeks.
The commission paired these planting directions with immediate maintenance work: Hop Michael and Dave Grover reported recent cleanup and redistribution of bark mulch and wood chips along Pitcher Lane and Budd’s Corners Road; Secretary Linda Keeling said she has a large wood-chip pile available for the project.
Next steps include Hop Michael’s site mapping, confirmation of installation logistics with Rec Park Director John Kuhn, and species selection after the catalogue is shared.
