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Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board <br />Minutes <br />June 4, 2025 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />Jody: Asked if there is data on the results of the organic management protocol, <br />such as how it is going, management issues experienced, changes in mowing and <br />fertilizer usage. <br />Abby: Mowing is unchanged, fertilizer budget has increased. Memory Square Park <br />is heavily used and requires more attention. Details are in Abby's Staff report from <br />last month. <br />Julien: Asked how it was decided which parks are managed without pesticides? <br />Could this practice be extended? <br />Abby has managed this program since 2022, which originated in in 2017. <br />Currently, hardscapes and landscape beds are the focus of Parks IWMP. <br />Our athletic fields are high traffic, dandelions are problematic, and impact field use. <br />Park usage determines the potential use of chemicals. The green lawn at <br />Community Park is used for concerts and is treated in a similar way to other high <br />use areas. Aeration and reseeding has resulted in 10% or less of weeds. Spot <br />applications of chemicals have been effective for weed management. Fertilizers <br />have been changed based on soil nutrient analysis. <br />In 2023, these maintenance practices were reviewed with PPLAB as best practices <br />and standards and are checked frequently for adherence and improvements. <br />Gene: Coal Creek Ranch HOA decided to go targeted applications and a volunteer <br />program for maintenance. There have been no liability issues. Maybe an annual <br />park cleanup with mulching and weed pulling could be promoted, a "Park Service" <br />day, similar to Arbor Day opportunities. <br />Adam: Noted in days gone by, community participation in "Adopt a Park" program <br />diminished. There could be an effort to bring back the program to get the <br />community more involved. Open Space has the Weed Whacker project to control <br />invasive plants. They are in high demand! The Open Space Program has strong <br />community participation. <br />Jody: Noted that there is value in reporting on the effectiveness of organic <br />management, and what the city is doing in that regard. We can design our <br />economic practices to grow healthy turf grass. Memory and Pirates parks are <br />small, an acre a piece, allowing for smaller organic treatments, not intentionally to <br />reduce pesticides. The public is concerned about pesticide use; organically <br />managed parks are a great promotional opportunity. Don't spray anything on any <br />play surfaces! <br />Abby: Soil testing has been used to balance the maintenance and feeding of turf. <br />Phosphorous is not currently being used on turf. <br />City of Louisville <br />Parks Division 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027 <br />303.335.4774 (phone) www.LouisvilleCO.gov <br />5 <br />