Flowers again, rational locations, and no tractors at Fort Ward Park. July 9, 2009.

From: "glenn eugster"
To: "Walter Powell"
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2009 8:35:09 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Allealuha! Flowers again, rational locations, and no tractors on graves!




Walter,



Deb and I are back walking the park again after family funerals, more health issues, and time with my daughters family. The flowers that were going in near the front entrance to Fort Ward Park yesterday looked great to see again. I also did a double-take when I saw that the guard station was finally moved to a better location. Today I looked to see of the tractor was still parked on the grave area in the maintenance yard and saw that it was moved somewhere else. These are more positive signs. Frankly good things have started to happen since you and your team have taken on a more significant role. Thank you.



I do have two questions and wanted to check with you before I send messages somewhere else. First, in 2008 Roger Blakeley agreed that the Rec. Dept. would maintain the area that is fenced off between the homeowners and the lower maintenance yard. At the time that the new fences were erected invasive plants were cleared, some regrading was done, and some small trees were planted in 2008. Unfortunately the area hasn't been touched since we got Roger's note and I've started hearing concerns from the property owners that are adjacent to the area. Poison ivy and other invasive plants are coming through and over fences. The new shrubs have been completely covered with invasive plants. Does your group maintain this area or should I send a note to Rich and Lance? If you handle the maintenance of this area can you look into it? Attached are some photos. I can send you the homeowner letters I've received. There also is a problem with invasive plants from the park coming over the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery fence that the City will be repairing, through a contractor, as per Roger's commitment.



One way that we can get the invasive plants removed is to have the City ask the Northern VA Conservation Trust to do an invasive pull with volunteers. The City gives the trust about $40,000 + each year to do things including invasive plant removal at City parks. My guess is that some of our homeowners would be willing to volunteer to help if this could be approved.



Second, I've been watching the activities at Chinquapin Park for several months now. Do you handle maintenance for this park?



The park was acquired with federal funds so that the construction work that impacted that parkland needs to be restored to it's earlier condition once the work is done. While watching the restoration work I noticed that there has been a pile of debris near the trail sign that was collected during an invasive plant removal effort. I contacted the groups involved in that volunteer effort and was told that they think that leaving the debris is a good advertisement for invasive plant removal efforts. I think that leaving debris is a bad reflection on the Rec. Department and this park. Is there any way you can have someone take the debris away? Attached are some photos.



Anything you can do to help is most appreciated. I hope to see you soon.



Sincerely,





Glenn Eugster