Though it might be hard to believe, Spring is nearly upon us – and so it’s time once again to Spring Clean our Park!

This year, the amount of heavy clearing is significantly reduced. Across the board, we have the time and resources to do some more interesting and transformative projects to the space to continue shaping it into the community space we want.

Let’s break our plans into two categories – cleanup and maintenance tasks, and improvements and additions. Note that any of this is subject to change – it’s aspirational, but depends on the ability to get the materials and tools together.

Housekeeping

As with every year, the paved areas and sidewalks will need to be cleared of leaf litter and other decaying matter. This isn’t the most glamorous task, but the trees insist on being deciduous about it, so we’ll have to bend to their whims. Normally we’d try to get ahead of this in the Fall, but the weather didn’t cooperate last year. There is also a new pile of branches that we’ll have to haul out for pickup. If you recall the mountain from last year, fret not, it’s a fraction of the size.

We’ll also need to clear the brush from the long, fenced side of the sidewalk. This area grows quickly, but it cuts just as quickly. This year, we hope to be able to top-dress it with a heavy layer of mulch to discourage weeds and perhaps create a nice bed for flowers. We’ll also try to secure enough mulch to add or improve “Tree Circles” around the young trees in both parts of the park.

The picnic table had a damaged board that needed replacing, but the full side has now been broken by contractors that Regent Square Rentals is using to renovate next door. They’ve also left trash (including tack strips, broken glass, and dumped concrete) in the park. This is wholly unacceptable, and I’m personally going to be in touch with CP Development on this matter. This is not the first time their contractors have abused this space.

Update: RSR reached out to me and met me in the space; we walked through the cleanup issues and they set to work cleaning up.

Lastly, we’d like to pull the remaining pieces of Split-Rail fencing that run across the front of the Peebles Side of the park. We’ll replace them on the border of the adjacent property, giving the park an inviting feel while separating it from the neighboring private property.

The New Hotness

We’re always looking for ways that we, as neighbors, can continue to add amenities and features to the park to make it a more welcoming and usable space. This year, we’d like to make a few small additions that we think will be popular.

First, we’d like to add some benches. The idea is to build them ourselves from 2 x 4 lumber. There are dozens of easy designs available, and they are very DIY friendly. If at all possible, we’ll purchase and pre-cut the lumber in advance, allowing for a “build team” to make quick work of assembly and placement. Currently we plan for 2 benches, but this may change.

We’d also like to build and install a “Little Free Library” to help extend that wonderful program into our end of the neighborhood. If you have ideas or supplies for this, be sure to reach out.

Helping Out

If you want to help out – and I know you do – fill out the form here so we can get a headcount and idea of tools we’ll have on hand. Feel free to also share ideas, thoughts, or concerns about the space.