Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/12/2007

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CASE #~ 2007 ARBOR DAY EVENT -UPDATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL EXPO By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Background: For more than fifteen years, the City in conjunction with Ramsey Elementazy School, has sponsored an Environmental Expo. The expo venue was intended to promote environmental awazeness and provide an opportunity for residents to purchase trees from local growers. Additionally, the City utilized the Expo event to formally recognize Arbor Day, which is one of the criteria for maintaining Ramsey's designation as a `Tree City USA'. Due to a number of factors, including [he loss of [he elementary school as a co-sponsor (which prompted the need for a new location for the event as well) and the conflicts with other city- sponsored events (Spring Recycling Day and Ramsey3 Open Space Technologies forum), the Environmental Expo will be suspended for 2007. in lieu of the Environmental Expo, Staff is planning a formal Arbor Day even[ involving both interested Ci[y Officials and residents. The focus of this event will be boulevard tree plantings in two locations along Sunwood Drive between Sunfish Lake Blvd. and St. Francis Blvd. The intent will be to have neazby residents, as well as Ci[y Officials, actively involved in the plantings along with Staff. Throughout the event, Staff can demonstrate proper planting techniques for residents and discuss the benefits that trees provide. It is important to note that Staffs intention is to take this opportunity to revamp [he Environmental Expo event and bring it back in 2008. The Arbor Day planting will allow the City to maintain its designation as a Tree City USA while also encouraging public participation in enhancement and appreciation of the City's streetscapes. The date will be the early evening of Friday, April 28`h, which is Arbor Day. The activity will commence at 4:00 pm and conclude - about 6:00 pm. with seven Autumn Blaze Maples and seven Hackberry planted. Commission Action: None required. Reviewed by: Public Works Direc[or/Pdncipal Engineer Civil Engineer II P & R: 4/12/07