The Park and Tree Committee discussed Weddle Bridge, the Harvest Festival and the new park at Osage during its Aug. 21 meeting.
Planning and Building Manager Angela Clegg reported that the trees have been removed from the lot at Osage Street and 42nd Avenue where a new park is being built, but progress has since slowed a little due to city staff transitioning. The next move for the park is to install infrastructure for bathrooms and paths. The playground equipment has been selected, and the city is working on a 100% match to purchase it.
“It’s gonna take a step; you probably won’t see it before the end of this year,” Clegg said. “It will probably be more of a next-year project.”
While some area residents have voiced anger or concerns about the incoming park a couple months ago, Committee Member Nancy Patton said she went to a yard sale in the neighborhood recently where she talked to some who lived there and they “seem to be happier now” about the park.
Committee Chair Wally Shreves added that he’s spoken to two critics of the park and “their total hatred for it has diminished.”
A discussion ensued about how the committee might reach out to and communicate with the community better regarding city parks, plans and volunteering.
In other business:
- The committee was told there will be a public hearing on Sept. 19 in front of the Planning Commission for the Parks Master Plan, followed by a public hearing in front of the City Council. If adopted, it will be an appendix to the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
- Interim Assistant Public Works Director Greg Springman reported that city staff spoke with someone from Linn County about Weddle Bridge. The unidentified person told staff it would be best to prevent rain from entering the bridge, but Springman said the city does not have the funds to do so. The bridge has rotting wood and “other issues” with timber inside that need to be replaced, a project that might involve tearing down and rebuilding the structure. Staff and the committee discussed a plan to inquire at Mill City about how they fixed their bridge.
- The committee discussed preparations for the annual Harvest Festival, to be held Oct. 5 at Sankey Park.
- Committee Member Lena Tucker announced the emerald ash borer is “knocking on our door” as it has been found in Marion County. The beetle kills ash trees, which could affect trees in Sweet Home if (“when”) the insect reaches the area.