Mariemont council clears path for Dale Park statuary conservation and approves Dogwood Park turf plan

Council members approved several park initiatives after a lengthy Health & Recreation committee report and public comments from volunteers who help maintain village fields.

Dale Park statuary: the committee presented a $48,500 proposal from Hummel Industries to clean, repair, treat and waterproof the Dale Park statuary and its base. The Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) requested the village formally request $18,500 from MPF to add to $30,000 previously transferred into the dedicated Dale Park account so work can proceed this summer. The council approved moving forward on the conservation work contingent on receipt of those MPF funds.

Councilors discussed whether trees overhanging the statuary should be trimmed or removed to reduce biological growth. Concerned members said wholesale removal could change park character; others noted some trees are in poor condition and removing them could protect irreplaceable statuary. The council amended the committee recommendation so that trimming or removal of trees would be at the mayor's discretion and that larger removals or purchase orders would be brought back to council for review.

Turf and maintenance at Dogwood Park: Health & Rec recommended, and council approved, a 2026 turf management plan from Team All Sports in the amount of $16,152. Approval included two conditions: staff should investigate "green" treatment options recommended by Green Umbrella, and the village will continue to work toward a field‑usage agreement with the Marrymont Recreation Association (MRA). Several council members noted in‑house maintenance capacity is limited and that some line items could be revised in future years.

Grants, signage, and project reporting: Councilors also discussed a pending $300,000 community project funding (CPF) allocation tied to Dogwood Park (advised by the Congressman Lansman office and administered by HUD). Staff were asked to provide semimonthly status reports showing schedule, grants drawn and budgets for Dogwood and Dale Park projects, and to estimate costs to relocate an above‑ground utility box at the Dogwood Park entry before final design of any signage.

Public comment: Runners of local volunteer programs and former MRA members urged council to untable and approve the maintenance recommendations so volunteer stewardship and recent investments are preserved. "MRA has served as stewards of Dogwood Park for the 25 years that I've been around," Randy York told council. Volunteer coach Drew Everheart said the fields bring value to both local families and visiting teams.

What happens next: The village will request the MPF contribution and, contingent on funds, issue purchase orders to schedule the work this summer. Staff will produce the requested semimonthly project status and grant‑spend reports.