Residents urge council to protect Garry Oaks and curb park-related problems at Edgewater Park

A string of public commenters on July 20 pressed the Lakewood City Council to take stronger steps to protect Garry Oaks and to address safety and nuisance problems at Edgewater Park.

Speakers described the loss of canopy and a rise in trash, after‑hours drinking and illegal parking since a nearby house was demolished to expand the park. "There's an increase in noise, litter, drug and alcohol use, public urination, and other disruptive behavior," said Kathy Tart, who requested larger, reflective signage for park hours and clearer no‑U‑turn signage to improve safety for nearby residents. Christina Manetti and others said scientific evidence supports stronger protection for surviving Garry Oaks; Manetti delivered copies of entomologist Douglas Tallamy's book and a letter urging maximal protection for surviving oaks.

Several speakers objected that discussion of alternatives (such as redesigning sidewalks around trees) had been removed from the agenda. Tikhomir Dunlop and James Dunlop urged the council to reopen consideration of sidewalk designs that would preserve 150–300‑year‑old trunks at Dower Elementary and to consider an ad hoc tree committee to guide policy. Chair Laura Sella (presiding) and staff did not take formal action during public comment; the exchange concluded with the chair closing public comment and moving on to the consent agenda.

What happens next: Speakers asked council and staff for follow‑up on tree protections, possible redesign options, and signage/park management changes. Council members referenced existing urban forestry efforts and stated interest in improving communications and outreach.