Agenda Packets - 1988/08/01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO TO: MAYOR AND CC:NCILMEMBERS FROM: MARY SAARION, DIRECTOR PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY DATE: JULY 27, 1988 SUBJECT: ODAS NEWTON MEMORIAL Was Newton died on Friday, July 22, 1988. Mr. Newton and his family donated land at Groveland Park. During his retirement Mr. Newton worked with Forester Rick Wriskey. His expertise with plants and trees and his interest in the parks provided "tender loving care to new trees, ilowers, shrubs and animal control. Although Mr. Newton was employed by the City, his volunteee hours %ere numerous. His weekend and early morning (4100 a.m.) watering services were greatly appreciated and helpful to the City's greenery. Mr. Newton had a "knack" for catching the pesky gophers and moles which often destroyed the young trees. M;:. Newton was truly a volunteer who enjoyed performing his services wtihout desire for compensation. City Forester Rick Wriskey remained in contact with Mr. Newton until his death. Rick has suggested this idea for a remembrance to the Newton Family frijin the City: Buy a large rock of good quality and place an engraved plate indicaLing the grove of black locust trees at Groveland Park, donated to the City by the Newton family. This stand of trees is unusual and is on the park that Mr. Newton helped establish and care for. The grove of trees are undesignated and should be marked. Many county and regional parks mark such groves or tree species. Rick knows that Ddas would approve of such a species marker because they discussed it before Odas died. He was never one for fanfare or memorials but concentrated on keeping trees alive to be enjoyed by all. RECOMMENDATION: To consider the approval of a species marker indicating that the Newton Family donated the land on which the grove is located. The marker would he purchased and installed by the city, using monies from the Forestry fund. MS/SL