The Parks and Recreation Board voted to continue community fundraising for a proposed arboretum at Kirby Lake and later approved the project construction plan, following a presentation from Mitch Wright, a local advocate and project lead.

Wright told the board the idea grows from a 2013 master plan for Kirby Lake and that donors have committed funds. He said $30,000 from a local donor had been earmarked for projects at Kirby Lake and that an additional $10,000 commitment brings current pledges to $40,000. Wright provided a rough, “back of the napkin” cost estimate of about $100,000 for tree planting, drip irrigation extension, trails and trailheads; he said the figure could be reduced if a contractor provides trees at cost.

The proposed layout includes a six-foot-wide main trail and a four-foot-wide natural trail through a forested corner of the Kirby Lake parking area, picnic tables with some ADA access, extension of drip irrigation from an existing system, and pollinator demonstration plantings. Wright estimated the new trail length in the immediate plan at roughly 400 feet and said some tree anchoring approaches could add as much as $20,000 if higher-cost anchors were used; contractors suggested using T-posts to provide support at lower cost.

Board members expressed broad support and asked Wright to pursue fundraising and partnerships with local businesses and organizations active at Kirby Lake. The board first voted to continue fundraising efforts; the motion carried. After a question about whether a second motion was needed to proceed with construction if funds were raised, the board subsequently approved a motion to proceed with construction. Both motions carried by voice vote.

Wright said project staging is possible if fundraising does not cover the full estimate. He also said volunteers — including master gardeners and master naturalists — could help with invasive species removal and native-plant demonstration areas.

The board’s approval authorizes the project concept and allows proponents to continue solicitation and proceed with construction if and when sufficient funding is in hand; Wright said the group will seek corporate and nonprofit partners and may phase the project if necessary.