In a recent meeting of the Morris City Council, discussions centered around the development of Eastside Park, particularly regarding the installation of new playground equipment and the preservation of heritage trees. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring that the playground design accommodates the existing trees, which are valued by the community.

Public Works Director highlighted the need to remove approximately 14 trees to facilitate the playground installation. However, the council expressed a commitment to preserving as many trees as possible. The selected vendor, LSI, has agreed to conduct precise measurements of the heritage trees to determine which can remain and which must be removed. This flexibility in design aims to minimize the impact on the park's natural landscape.

Additionally, the council addressed community concerns about shade at the park. They are exploring grant opportunities to fund the installation of sunshades, which would enhance comfort for park visitors during hot weather. This initiative reflects the council's responsiveness to community feedback and their commitment to improving public spaces.

The conversation also touched on Green River Park, a larger area that presents challenges due to its wet conditions. While the council acknowledged these concerns, they remain open to exploring development options that could mitigate flooding issues, such as adding fill to the area.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's dedication to balancing recreational development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that community needs and natural resources are both prioritized in the planning process. As the project progresses, the council will continue to seek input from residents and explore funding opportunities to enhance the park facilities.