PRCS Minutes 1977-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

i PARK DIVISION MONTHLY REPORT JUNE 1977 Turf maintenance practices to assist in combating the drought conditions were continued into the month of June . Aerification is an important practice which assists in the percolation of water into the soil as a result of irrigation . Nearly all of the major parks containing extensive turf areas were aerified during the month with particular attention paid to the high use areas in Red Morton Community Park , Hawes Park and Kiwanis Field . Several of the areas are now beginning to show the effects of drought stress . Various watering schedules have been adjusted in an attempt to combat this stress and still make every effort to stay within the water use allocations requested of the Department . Additional data is continually being collected with respect to specific areas resultant from meter flow tests and irrigation application capabilities . This data is being fed into the Water Management Study which will assist in the assignment of water allocation targets for each park area . Meters are being read by park personnel on a continuing basis to collect this data . In several areas , it has been possible to increase the irrigation time for the areas and still remain well within the assigned constraints . During the month of June , the consumption records indicate that there continues to be a reduction in the water usage of approximately 70% . Additional adjustments in areas of high stress will continue to be made in an effort to retain the plant material in a living condition . During the month , park crews initiated the removal of most of the bedding plants which have now completed the flowering period . The beds are being rototilled , treated with weed control material and will be left unplanted until the drought situation subsides . Additionally , many of the shrub bed areas are now being mulched with wood chips supplied by the street tree operation and this practice will continue throughout the entire park system as the chips become available . Division personnel completed the necessary repair and renovation work at the swimming pools in readiness for the opening of the recreation swimming season on June 20 . Work consisted of repairing and repainting existing walls in shower rooms , repairing broken cement around the pools , as well as replacing water valves and other plumbing fixtures . Private contractors were called upon to complete the necessary wood and window replacement work and the emergency reinforcement of the steel column braces inside the interior pump room at the Community Pool . Various personnel changes in the Park Division during the month of June included the appointment of Charles O ' Connor as a Gardener/Caretaker . Mr . O ' Connor was formerly in the retail nursery business and has an extensive background in gardening and horticultural work . Other actions -6-