During a recent government meeting, officials approved funding for critical park maintenance projects, including trail repairs and hazardous tree removal, following significant storm damage across the county's park system.

Commissioner Berg moved to approve trail repairs for Springvale and Vigson Family County Parks, with a budget not to exceed $25,263. The project is funded from the 2024 park budget, which allocated $30,000 for these repairs. Seal Tech, the contractor selected for the job, has a history of satisfactory work with the county.

In a separate discussion, the board addressed the urgent need for hazardous tree removal at Irving and John Anderson County Park. Recent storms resulted in the downing of approximately 500 trees across the county's parks, with around 200 posing immediate hazards near shelters and trails. The request to remove 40 trees, including standing oak wilted trees and fallen storm-damaged trees, was presented by park staff, who emphasized the safety risks involved.

Two quotes were received for the tree removal, with the lowest bid at $750 per tree, totaling a request of up to $30,000. Although this amount is not currently in the park budget, officials discussed the possibility of using ARPA savings to cover the costs. The urgency of the situation was underscored by concerns about public safety and employee safety, as the presence of hazardous trees could lead to injuries and increased costs from workers' compensation claims.

The board unanimously approved both projects, highlighting the importance of maintaining safe and accessible parks for the community.