Let’s start with Phase I.
The first quarter mile of the Greenway was laid with the assistance of the Public Works and Parks and Recreation crews. It was the Parks and Recreation folks, supervised by director Patti Petitt, who placed the first benches on Phase I and today they are responsible for pouring concrete pads which enhance each bench placement. They also perform the maintenance on the benches, repositioning them if they get toppled or moved.
Without the manpower of Public Works, led by Tommy Myers, Phase 4 of the Greenway would not have been completed under budget. Once Phase 4 was announced, City Manager Janice Casteel committed the skills of Public Works to do the job of grading the ground and forming, pouring and finishing the concrete path from the Paul Huff bridge to Tinsley Park. In between their numerous other projects, Public Works crews saved us thousands of dollars in labor costs had the job been contracted out. When the ribbon was cut on Phase 4 last December, members of the Public Works crew were special guests.
The beauty of the Greenway does not just happen. The maintenance and upkeep on the nearly three miles of Greenway between Willow Street and Mohawk Drive are the sole responsibility of Parks and Recreation. Once each phase is completed, Parks & Recreation adds it to its regular routine of care. This includes all grass mowing, trimming and other landscaping.
The latest improvement by the city crews was the addition of new trees, plants and mulch to beautify a hillside section between Kingsway Press and 20th Street. This project, as well as the supervision of the planting of numerous memorial trees along the Greenway, is supervised by Urban Forester Dan Hartman.
And finally, we cannot forget the diligence of Parks and Recreation to clear the underpasses when storms flood the Greenway. Debris and mud cover the walkways which go under Mouse Creek Road, Keith Street, 25th Street, 20th Street and 17th Street. It is usually no more than 24 hours before the way is cleared and we can all enjoy safe passage through the underpasses without dodging mud piles.
We are blessed with such a talented and dedicated group of public servants who take the care of the Greenway, and our enjoyment of it, seriously.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
