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Three Oaks Parks & Recreation Board approves tree plantings, holiday lighting and gazebo updates
Summary
At its Nov. 3 meeting the Three Oaks Parks & Recreation Board approved an arborvitae planting with a $600 cap, advanced a private-funded request to plant three white pines to the Village Council, and authorized village-paid holiday lighting with installation planned before Nov. 14, 2025.
The Three Oaks Parks & Recreation Board on Nov. 3 approved several park improvements and maintenance plans, including plantings, holiday lighting and steps toward gazebo and walkway repairs.
The board amended and approved a motion to plant arborvitae west of the pavilion at Watkins Park “not to exceed $600, not to impede view to ball fields,” with planting scheduled for spring 2026. Mike Springer proposed the revision and Ed White seconded; the motion passed.
Brian Overley presented a privately funded proposal to plant three 10–12-inch white pines flanking the Dewey Cannon Park gazebo to replace aging maples and provide screening. Overley moved to request Village Council approval of the plantings; Joan Brown seconded and the board approved the request. Overley said two of the three trees have already been sponsored privately; Springer will carry the request to Village Council.
The board also approved a plan for the village, through Parks & Recreation, to pay for warm-white holiday lighting for the Dewey Cannon gazebo, the Carver Park pavilion and the town Christmas tree. Mike Springer moved, and Brian Overley seconded, to obtain the lights and order a lift truck for installation with a plan to complete installation prior to Nov. 14, 2025; the motion passed.
Other business included updates on ongoing maintenance and projects: Timber Town at Watkins Park still requires staining and replacement parts; pavilion downspout and minor roof repairs are being sourced; eight trees across parks need mulching in spring 2026; and B&Z Concrete is expected to be available to install the Carver Park concrete walk in spring 2026. The board recorded no public comments at the meeting.
Village Manager Dan Faulkner noted the Maple Street streetscape project is on a USDA grant. Chair Ira Johnson reported follow-up on controlled-burn guidance from Pisso Associates and Plantwise; the drain commissioner advised “no burn in the Drain,” and a village ordinance prohibiting open burning would have to be clarified before any controlled burn could proceed.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Oct. 6 minutes and Nov. 3 agenda: Motion by Joan Brown, seconded by Mike Springer; motion passed (tally not specified in the minutes). - Arborvitae planting at Watkins Park (amended to cap $600, not impede ball-field sightlines): Revision motion by Mike Springer, seconded by Ed White; motion passed (tally not specified). - Request to Village Council to approve planting three private-funded white pines at Dewey Cannon Park: Motion by Brian Overley, seconded by Joan Brown; motion passed (tally not specified). Overley said two trees were privately sponsored to date. - Holiday lighting procurement and lift-truck order for installation before Nov. 14, 2025: Motion by Mike Springer, seconded by Brian Overley; motion passed (tally not specified). - Motion to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.: Motion by Mike Springer, seconded by Brian Overley; motion passed.
What’s next The Chamberlain Path committee will meet Nov. 5, 2025 to refine scope and schedule; Chair Johnson will share materials on a potential controlled burn with Larry Shawver for follow-up. Overley will take the white-pine planting request to the Village Council for approval; no council action was recorded at this meeting.
(Minutes submitted by Joan Brown.)
