Residents press for parks upgrades: goat‑head removal, shade at pool and turf ideas

Community members raised multiple park‑related requests during the CDBG hearing. Steven Sherwood, who is taking a master‑gardener course, described a pre‑emergent order and urged persistent maintenance and plant choices that minimize irrigation. Councilmember Geovona Thompson urged revitalizing upper and lower parks for play and picnics; Debra Trate asked specifically for shade near the pool and suggested artificial turf to reduce goat‑head punctures for bare feet.

Speakers cautioned that ongoing maintenance is required for plantings to succeed and noted donated materials (from retailers) could help small projects. SEAGO staff reminded the council that routine maintenance is typically not an eligible CDBG use, but slum/blight removal, park rehabilitation or facility upgrades tied to a national objective may qualify if properly documented; the council asked staff to place the parks improvements on the candidate list for further assessment.