Many have noticed several changes in the parks this summer! The Garretson Parks Advisory Committee has been hard at work coordinating many projects, including the building of a shade structure and the planting of new trees.
In 2020, the removal of ash trees began in earnest as the potential of the ash borer infestation looms ever larger. While the invasive bugs have not been found around Garretson yet, SDSU Forestry expert John Ball says it’s just a matter of time before they arrive. Once discovered, the community will only have five years before trees begin collapsing, as ash borer larvae eat the tree from the inside out.
Ash is a common tree species in the parks, due to its fast growth and easy spread. The loss of so many trees at once would be devastating to not only the local tree line, but wild animals as well. The Garretson City Council voted a few years ago to begin removing trees each summer to reduce the impact. A tree fund was created in 2020 for donations, and an effort was undertaken this past spring around Arbor Day to raise funds for replacement.
Over the weekend, 17 trees were purchased by the City from Rocky Ridge Nursery in Canton. Nearly all of them were planted on Monday, August 2. More trees will be purchased as funds are received.
Trees have been cleared from several areas in Split Rock Park and Devils Gulch. Most of the ash trees were removed in 2020 at the Jaycees Sports Complex, and several were replaced last fall.
Another project undertaken by the Park Committee this summer was building the shade structure in Split Rock Park near the playground. The committee worked in conjunction with Grow Garretson to raise funds, mostly through the popular Light the Park event that has been held the past two Christmas seasons. The Park Committee and Grow Garretson offer a huge thanks to those who donated, along with the generous grants from Alliance Communications Keep the Change and Prairie Rose!
The Alliance Keep the Change grant was slated for picnic tables inside the new structure, and thanks to the eagle eye of council member and Park Committee liaison Jodi Gloe, children’s-sized tables were purchased first. The committee intends to work with a local source for new adult-sized tables, as the cost of steel and shipping increased beyond expectations over the last year.
Next to the new shade structure, a natives-style area is being created. This area will prevent erosion, filter rain water, and create an area for pollinators and visitors alike to enjoy. The space was delineated by quick curb that was laid this past Tuesday. Earlier this spring, Storm Construction worked hard at clearing off the rocks in the area, allowing the pink quartzite to shine.
While there are many more projects, both big and small, in the works, the final big piece that visitors will notice is a new sign by the Visitor’s Center at Devils Gulch. The sign was designed to be similar in style to the new one outside Split Rock Park, and both were made by King Skull Metal Works of Garretson.
In the meantime, more beautification projects are underway, and the Park Committee continues to work towards improving the park system in Garretson!