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Avon commissioners flag drainage, parking and trail-alignment concerns in Traxler Arboretum plan
Summary
The commission reviewed a preliminary landscape plan for the Traxler Arboretum; Commissioner John Traxler warned that a proposed boardwalk and parking location could disrupt historic drainage and wildlife habitat, and urged routing the main trail along the creek to preserve sandstone cliffs and sensitive areas.
Chair Richard Varga reported the City has received a preliminary landscape-architecture plan for the Traxler Arboretum and said the Mayor requested the Commission review it and meet with the landscape architects.
Commissioner John Traxler raised several detailed concerns. He emphasized that "this area is historically very wet," warning that a boardwalk or walkway across Area 3 would disrupt long-established drainage patterns and the area's value as wildlife habitat. He recommended a trail alignment that follows the creek to preserve sandstone cliffs up to 20 feet tall and to avoid disturbing Area 9 near the Cahoon House, which supports species such as blue herons.
Traxler also said the proposed parking location in Area 8 "sits atop a spring," making that placement impractical; he urged shifting parking away from the creek and suggested using an unlabeled road near Area 6 for access. He questioned the functionality of a shared-use asphalt path through flood-prone zones and pointed to alternate access points. Chair Varga proposed potentially incorporating a nearby natural spring into interpretive exhibits.
Commissioners were asked to review the landscape plan and, if possible, walk the property over the coming two weeks so their compiled feedback can be presented to the architects at a planned follow-up meeting.
