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Parks committee expands "Grass Walk" plantings; council gives tentative approval pending arts input
Summary
Roeland Park’s parks committee outlined plans to remove nonnative plantings and create a 500-square-foot native "Grass Walk" around the Whirligig sculpture. Council endorsed proceeding with the project but asked parks to consult the Arts Committee and share a simple plan before finalizing signage or wider changes.
Mayor Michael Popa and the council heard a detailed presentation from Parks Committee Chair Sarah Martin on a proposal to refresh plantings at Sea Red Run and to create a 500-square-foot "Grass Walk" around the Whirligig sculpture at Noll Park.
Martin said volunteers removed landscape fabric, identified failing nonnative plants (including barberry), and plan to replace them with native grasses and perennials chosen for bloom timing and drought tolerance. "We plan to support them by hand watering or watering with drip hoses for this first year and probably next year as well with park volunteers," Martin said. She described the design as sensory and educational and said the committee can provide a full appendix listing selected species.
Several council members raised procedural and maintenance questions after learning the project had already progressed to ordering plants. Council member Hill asked what would replace the barberry near Sea Red Run and whether the replacement would still discourage climbing; Martin replied the plan will use low-growing, standoffish plants and said she would share a hand-drawn planting plan and maintenance notes.
Council member Fadley and Public Works staff emphasized the need to account for ongoing maintenance: public works has seen increased hours as new landscaping has been added in recent years, and much of long-term care falls to the department. Council member Liro and others urged prompt action to avoid losing volunteer momentum, while others asked that the Parks Committee loop in the Arts Committee because the planting borders the Whirligig sculpture.
Mayor Popa said he did not want to lose volunteer progress but asked Parks to reach out to Arts before signing or erecting permanent signage. Martin agreed to email the Arts Committee the sketch and a maintenance plan immediately after the meeting.
The council gave a unanimous tentative thumbs-up to proceed, contingent on Parks sharing the drawing and receiving Arts Committee feedback; staff asked that any signage be consistent with existing park informational signs. The council directed staff and the Parks Committee to report back if the Arts Committee raises objections or suggests significant changes.
