Committee backs November tree‑giveaway and water‑wise education weekend; accepts sponsor support

The Woodcreek Parks Committee approved a package to seek City Council approval for a November tree giveaway and water‑wise education program. The committee requested a City Hall/community‑garden location, two educational components (rainwater capture and tree care/pruning), up to three speakers, and procurement authority to buy up to 75 trees not to exceed $500.

Discussion covered logistics, speaker options and sponsorship. Committee members reported that Aqua Texas offered to sponsor much of the event by covering up to $500 toward trees, $100 toward refreshments, $200 in raffle items, two rain barrels and 50 gator bags to pair with distributed trees. Staff outlined multiple supplier options for trees — from larger container stock to small saplings — and recommended an initial distribution of about 50 trees with the option to increase to 75 if demand and budget allowed.

Chair Jane McElroy moved that the committee seek council approval for the event. She summarized the motion: "We're gonna have 2 educational components. We're gonna have a new location at City Hall. We're gonna have 3 speakers and to ask approval to purchase up to 75 trees, not to exceed $500." The motion was seconded and carried by a show of hands.

Staff were directed to finalize event logistics and procurement details, coordinate promotions and confirm speaker availability. Committee members discussed staging the educational content as breakout stations to let attendees choose demonstrations and to avoid a single long presentation.