Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Corte Madera for more shade trees after Menke Park work
Summary
Residents told the council that recent park construction removed multiple mature trees and plantings at Menke Park, leaving a perceived loss of shade and character. Speakers urged the council to fund additional plantings and slower monitoring of the site as new plantings mature.
Multiple residents used open time at the Aug. 4 meeting to urge Corte Madera officials to restore shade and plantings at Menke Park after recent construction removed several mature trees and landscaping.
Anita Bach (200 Marina Vista Ave) told council members she hoped the town would add “a minimum of 2 shade trees” to the park’s northwest corner after losing two very large shade trees; she described the park as a ‘‘shady, cool oasis’’ for neighbors and dog walkers. Resident Nanette Beers described mature plantings and agapanthus being removed during construction and said the result is now “empty space” that looks characterless.
Town staff said the removal followed the council‑approved park plans and that two 48‑inch‑box trees have been planted as part of the project; staff recommended letting the new plantings grow for at least one season before committing additional resources. Staff estimated installation costs of roughly $3,000–$4,000 per tree and said the park project budget has been largely expended.
“We planted two really large 48‑inch box trees,” the town manager said in response to questions about the park work, while also acknowledging that several trees were removed and that one had been diseased and sinking.
Council members and staff offered to meet with the Foundation and neighborhood volunteers to review options for additional shade trees and the timing of any further plantings. Staff suggested monitoring growth through the next planting season and coordinating any additional requests with the community foundation.
