Revised May 29, 2024
By Barry Brown, Freeman Park Advocate —
Freeman Park has 30 acres of ball fields for baseball, soccer and a variety of events, but there’s also 30 wooded acres that until now, has been neglected for decades. Now that 20+ acres of buckthorn has been removed, what do we do with the wooded areas and walking trails? Many people have contributed to a vision for the wooded areas, but City officials would not allow me to share this vision with City Council. So, I am sharing it broadly with the SCA readers. Our modest vision for 2024 improvements is affordable and realistic.
First of all, we must make our walking trails usable and safe for children and adult pet walkers by applying a new layer of gravel on the approximate 1.2 miles of wooded walking trails. Today, many areas of the trails are muddy for days/weeks and flood with minimal rainfall. Residents have been asking for these improvements for more than a decade. This is an easy fix and even easier decision for city officials.
Our vision for 2024 offers educators the opportunity to engage their students and parents the opportunity to teach their children about Freeman Park’s natural wooded spaces to learn more about science, biology and history. These programs could be independent or expand upon the city’s current youth STEM programs.
Additionally, suggestive and educational signage along the trails and select QR tags on trees, shrubs and plants, will provide visitors of all ages, the ability to learn more about our natural surroundings. This can all be accomplished in 2024.
YOU are encouraged to provide suggestions to Park Commissioners on June 11th at 6:00pm at Freeman Park while commissioners tour the grounds. Together WE can help shape the vision for Freeman Park woods. Commissioners seek suggestions from residents to develop a comprehensive plans for the remainder of 2024 and to budget for 2025.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference and have a vision for the wooded area of Freeman Park, please contact Barry Brown at barrydbrown58@gmail.com.
