Dyke Rd Park Steering Committee Plans Feb 2011 Members: Pete Owens, Dick Sullivan, Pete Stevens, Kathy Freunscht, Barb DeAngelo, Jim Simmons, Nick Staffiero, Jim English, Steve Kinne

Major Trail Points Flexible trail system consisting of a main, winding loop trail with an extension that continues alongside the wetlands area to eventually reach Valley Acres A central rotary (could be two smaller ones) with trails radiating from it, dividing the park into sections that could delineate future adopt-a-plots A non-ADA compliant dirt trail extending along creek through narrow portion – may abandoned to protect the narrow area of native species Several small non-ADA compliant dirt trails leading to identified fishing spots – in consultation with Trout Unlimited group (See diagram)

Main trail (surfaced) ADA compliant Alternative main trail Non-surfaced secondary trail Surfaced secondary trail Non-surfaced tertiary trail Trail Key Trail Layout

Other Major Points Remove undesirable trees such as Box Elder to open more space Plant new trees/shrubs with attention to soil conditions so as to create a multi-stage canopy (flowering at different times, etc.) Label trees, shrubs, and “significant” plants Minimize or eliminate need for mowing (promote natural, attractive, non- invasive undergrowth) Selective cutting of some Green Ash trees (in grove) and replace with different trees (appropriate for soil conditions)… allow others to remain for education re: eventual emerald ash borer infestation Keep plots largely natural, concentrating on native species. Plant bushes and trees attractive to birds Talk to bat expert to see if “bat houses” would be of value Partially block head gate to create shallow pond in wetland area (to attract frogs and turtles) Investigate with the village about how to improve drainage in wetland area west of Dyke Rd (and/or ways to control mosquito breeding) Do not include “art sculptures”, at least initially Provide for areas with benches at selected observation points