Parks staff propose erosion work, targeted grazing demo and community library; committee discusses banners for Great Rivers Greenway anniversary

At the June 12 Public Works Committee meeting, Parks and Recreation items included an erosion-stabilization recommendation, an idea to trial targeted grazing with goats for invasive-plant control, a proposed community “Louie's Little Free Library” to be placed at the ice-rink community center, and a request for banners in Brentwood Park from Great Rivers Greenway to mark that organization’s 25th anniversary.

City Administrator Bola presented Eric’s parks report and said staff believe an erosion site at the embankment of Deer Creek has worsened this spring; Bola said Jacobs Engineering assessed the area and Castle Construction submitted a $103,765 proposal to stabilize it. Bola noted staff are proposing to use a 2025 budget line for a planned parking project in Brentwood Park as the funding source if the committee recommends and the Board approves.

On vegetation control, staff described “targeted grazing” — a short-term demonstration using goats to reduce invasive plants in a defined area. Committee members asked practical questions about the animals’ presence and control; staff said the goats typically graze during daytime hours for about a week, are supervised while on site and are returned to their handlers each night. Members indicated further details would be required before scheduling the demonstration.

The committee also heard that the St. Louis Blues organization, through its charitable foundation, proposed installing “Louie’s Little Free Library” near the rink as a community partnership; staff said they are pursuing that collaboration. Separately, Great Rivers Greenway requested permission to display banners for its anniversary within Brentwood Park on its own property; staff said the banner plan would not use the city’s banner-pole policy and would be a partnership-based placement on the organization’s property.

Committee members raised questions about permitting, supervision of the goats, and potential costs; staff said they would return with more details if the committee wanted to pursue the demonstration or the library installation.