Parks operations staff continue to be busy with ongoing ash tree removal. Since January 1, 2020, 53 ash trees have been removed in through the city parks, Westwood Golf Course, and Newton Union Cemetery. Staff will continue to be very aggressive on the ash tree removal program, as the conditions and health of the remaining ash trees are declining.
Each spring, many of the Parks Operations staff attend the shade tree short course hosted by Iowa State University. This has been very beneficial to staff developing plans moving forward with new tree plantings and variety selections.