Tree and Garden Board backs Harry Banks Park arboretum plan, will send recommendation to City Commission

The Crescent City Tree and Garden Board voted to send a proposal to the City Commission recommending development of an edible arboretum-style project for Harry Banks Park.

Chris Edward, a presenter who helped draft the plan, told the board the application meets ARVNet/arboretum criteria: an arboretum plan, a governing group, a staff member or volunteer manager, a labeled collection of at least 25 taxa, and a public tree- or garden-related event. "All five of those items are in the plan we prepared," Edward said, asking the board to authorize him and staff to bring the proposal forward.

Board members raised the practical question of maintenance and long-term stewardship. Pamela (reporting clerk and code enforcement) and other members said city staffing and budget limits mean the project's success would depend on volunteer groups and partner organizations. "Most of the initial installation and many of the trees would be donated," Edward said, noting he expects monthly workdays with civic groups and school involvement to sustain the garden.

The proposal includes educational features such as labeled plantings, QR-code information for visitors, and plant lists chosen for cold tolerance and local suitability. Edward emphasized the plan separates edible plantings from water-edge planting areas designed for water purification and habitat: "The edibles will be further up on the embankment; down by the pond we'll focus on water-purifying species."

Commissioner Lisa DeVito, who said she had researched comparable downtown arboretum designations, offered to forward application materials and contact information to staff. She noted that downtown areas in other Florida communities have qualified as Level 1 arboretums with minimal cost and signage.

After discussion of alternative locations and readiness to answer commission questions about volunteer commitments, finance and site suitability, a board member moved to send the report to the City Commission for the April 9 meeting. The motion was seconded and the board endorsed forwarding the recommendation with suggested alternative sites for consideration.

Next steps: staff and the presenters will refine materials for the Commission packet, include alternative site options, and be prepared to answer questions about long-term volunteer stewardship and maintenance funding.