Parks committee forwards Donald S. Samus park-naming request and discusses Ed Sulik plaque

The Parks and Recreation Committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Town Council to name a park for Donald S. Samus and discussed a separate tree dedication and plaque for Edward "Ed" Sulik.

Rick Marcon moved to forward the Donald S. Samus naming request with a favorable recommendation to the Town Council. Committee members raised no objections and the motion carried unanimously. Committee members referenced the town code naming process (Chapter 27), which requires the Council to act on a committee recommendation within 90 days.

On the Ed Sulik dedication, Andre Brown said a tree was planted at Paradise Green and staff are seeking a concise, durable plaque inscription; Amy (staff) offered to fund plaque costs and asked for someone to draft wording that captures Sulik’s years of service. Committee members suggested a low-mounted flat plaque similar to the one used for Jay Wahlberg to reduce vandalism and maintenance needs. Members noted Sulik’s birth year (1946) and that he was an Army veteran who served in Vietnam; committee members agreed the plaque should summarize his contributions to athletics and parks in a single sentence.

Chad and the town’s tree wardens will monitor the planting; if a tree fails to establish the town will pursue replacement via the grower or other means. The committee will forward the naming recommendation to the Town Council for consideration.