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To: Board of Commissioners




From: Michael Gasparini
Subject: Superintendent of Parks
Date: September 8th, 2026



Great Lakes Urban Forestry recently completed a Level 1 Tree Risk Assessment of 202 oak trees
measuring 12 inches in diameter or larger at Reed-Keppler Park. The assessment focused on
identifying visible defects that could pose potential risks to park patrons or property, particularly
those associated with Oak Bracket.

The assessment identified two trees requiring expedited removal due to significant decay and
their proximity to heavily used areas. These removals are recommended for completion by
October 15, 2026, and are scheduled for Tuesday, September 15. Six additional trees are
recommended for removal by November 15, 2027, and four trees require priority pruning before
March 15, 2027. Three trees will receive more detailed Level 3 Advanced Risk Assessments by
December 15, 2026, and proposals for this work are currently being collected. An additional 32
trees will be monitored and reassessed annually, while the remaining 155 trees had no defects of
concern and will remain on the District’s regular pruning cycle. Some pruning and removal work
may be completed in-house, while work requiring specialized equipment or expertise will be
outsourced. Completing the recommended work will help the District proactively manage its
mature oak population and reduce potential risks to park patrons and property.

Work continues on the soccer fields at Cornerstone Lakes Park. The fields are nearing the level,
smooth playing surface envisioned for the project. Once a consistent rainfall pattern begins, the
area will be seeded with high-quality turfgrass designed for soccer fields. The rainfall will
provide the moisture needed to establish the new turf, and the renovated fields are expected to be
ready for play in fall 2027.

The pedestrian bridge at Cornerstone Lakes Park was recently inspected for stability and
structural integrity. The bridge remains in good overall condition, with sound metal components
and a solid primary structure. The wooden walking planks will be replaced before winter, and the
District expects the bridge to remain in service for many years after the new decking is installed.

The bid opening for the Turtle Splash Filter Renovation Project was successful, with five
companies submitting bids and creating a competitive bidding process. Based on the bid results,
the District recommends awarding the project to Crossroads Construction Inc. The bid tabulation
will be included in the board packet for reference. The project is expected to begin in late fall
and continue through the winter, allowing the filtration system to be renovated and ready for the
next pool season.

Work on the Central Pavilion Renovation Project is expected to begin soon, with completion
targeted before winter.
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