Council requires volunteers to present plans before adding benches or plantings at Donald Wilson Park

Mayor opened the meeting and read a prepared council statement saying, "Any proposed public events on town properties, including plantings, picnic tables, benches, grills, etcetera, and volunteer work must be presented and approved by the Union Bridge Town Council." The reading framed the requirement as a recordkeeping and liability measure.

The change followed recent volunteer work at Donald Wilson Park by local groups. Dale Wood, who identified himself as "vice president," apologized on behalf of the volunteer group and said they had believed they had the appropriate approvals. "We thought we had the appropriate approvals. It was not anyone's intention to cause any kerfuffle or problems," Wood said, and asked the council to allow the group to continue mowing and to partner with the town.

Resident Eileen Weeks, who described planting picnic tables and flowers with others, asked whether every small transplant or bulb planting would require separate council approval. The mayor and council members said they did not object to volunteers maintaining planted areas but want plans documented in the minutes. A council member asked volunteers to bring photos or a plan to the October work session so the council could confirm aesthetic uniformity.

Town counsel addressed the legal rationale: the town must manage liability for town-owned property and follow permitting and environmental requirements. The attorney said some restrictions are meant to protect taxpayers and town assets from potential legal exposure.

Several residents and volunteers urged cooperation rather than confrontation. Volunteer spokeswoman Sherry Thompson, reading a prepared statement, said external experts had praised the improvements and asked that the council demonstrate "transparency and fairness" instead of appearing to "reprimand" volunteers after work was completed. Thompson said suppressing civic initiative discourages future help.

Council members flagged two practical limits: the park contains wetlands and habitat areas, so planting must avoid disturbing protected root zones and inconsistent vegetation; and the site has limited parking, so hosting larger gatherings could create safety and access problems. A council member reminded attendees that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and county permits or guidance may be relevant before expanding activities.

The council directed volunteers to place the topic on the Oct. 6 work session agenda and encouraged a group site visit and submission of photos or a plan beforehand so the council can record approved work in the minutes. No formal sanctions or prohibitions were adopted at the meeting.

Next steps: volunteers were asked to contact parks staff to get on the Oct. 6 agenda, bring proposed plans or photos, and coordinate with council staff on any wetlands or permit questions.