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MINUTES <br />PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION <br />APRIL 2, 2015 <br />Darling asked for an explanation on the Broecker Memorial. The Director <br />reported that the City received a $5,000 donation from the Leah Broecker <br />estate for use in Pioneer Park. Sanders noted that the City replaced a bench <br />in the park with some of the money, is planning to help fund the reforestation <br />and perhaps some interpretative signs with the remaining funds. <br />Maida asked the size of the area to be reforested. Sanders estimated about 3 <br />acres with the Director noting that the entire park is about 31 acres in size. <br />Maida asked about the condition and life span of existing trees in this area. <br />Sanders noted that the area had originally been a pasture, and once that use <br />was discontinued, the trees that are there took hold. He indicated that there <br />are many marginal trees in this area. Maida asked if the existing tree canopy <br />would retard the growth of the new trees. Sanders replied that this may <br />happen to a certain extent, but indicated that the existing trees will provide <br />some protection to the new plantings. Miller asked if there was any scientific <br />basis for the layout that Sanders if proposing. Sanders replied that there is <br />not and indicated that as the trees are planted, there will likely be some <br />adjustments to planting locations. <br />Vang asked about impact on Canadian Days. Sanders reported that this <br />reforestation plan is completely out of the area of the park used by Canadian <br />Days. <br />Miller asked about watering. Sanders indicated that some initial watering <br />will be necessary. <br />Miller asked about the farm house foundation that is in this particular area. <br />Sanders indicated that there is some historical benefit to marking this area <br />and perhaps installing signage reporting that this area was originally a farm. <br />Sanders indicated that the City has a good idea of the layout of the buildings <br />based on old aerial photography. Darling asked who the farm belonged to. <br />Sanders reported that the family name was Fahlgren, but that the City does <br />not have much information on the family nor does it know of any surviving <br />family members. The Director indicated that some of the foundation is <br />visible if one looks for it early in the year before the undergrowth comes up. <br />It was anticipated that the original farm buildings were demolished in the <br />1950's. <br />Patti Sullivan suggested that before and after pictures should be taken of the <br />area, and that the reforestation project be highlighted in the City's newsletter. <br />Sullivan felt that mention of the donation from the Broecker Estate may <br />encourage others to make donations. <br />Kong suggested that some time be spent on the spring park tour looking at <br />this area. <br />3 <br />