Beautification Committee Meeting notes 2/17/26

Attended:  Nancy Dunbar, Carole Betts, Donna Foltman, Toni Hayes, Sasha Kamper, Rita McKee, Donisue Rupp, Jean Swanson, Terry Thielen

Parks: Ashby – it was announced at the Quarterly meeting that the tennis courts will be removed this winter due to unstable concrete, Beaverdale – cleanup for Easter Egg Hunt will be scheduled for March 27, Westchester – no report, Bel-Aire and Palm Islands – no report, Holland island bed – Rita reported that the city cut back the plants last fall

Trees: newest memorial tree (Japanese Tree Lilac)is being watered by the Ashby/Wallace Lane neighbors. Buckets and tree guards were removed from Marion Wissler’s memorial tree, along with other  tree guards in the area.  Nancy reported it to Shane who promised to get replacements to Nancy.  There have been 2 requests for new memorial trees.

Memorial Tree Walk: Carole presented additional info about the memorial trees. She presented a list of trees she was unable to ID.  Committee members took info and will present at next meeting, and take photos if possible. We discussed possible dates for a Memorial Walk, and time to have info available for the public to view. A date closer to Memorial Day instead of Arbor Day would permit more time to gather info. Perhaps add yellow ribbons and info (paper inside protective sleeve) to each memorial tree. Other ideas included planting a tree to represent those trees no longer around and new plaques for any found missing. Nancy had submitted an article for the Sidewalk about possible plans which will come out next month.

Urbandale median: Nancy continues to walk the median and pick up trash when weather allows. There are a lot of downed branches and mounds of grass and soil from snow plows. 

Streetscape:  Dead streetscape trees that were removed have not been replanted yet.

Flowers: Flowers ordered for spring will be picked up and planted in mid May. There may be an opportunity to volunteer at the city greenhouse.

Quarterly Meeting Update: discussion about tennis court removal at Ashby Park, Mary Wells – Polk County treasurer encouraged making sure new car licenses plate purchases get assigned to Polk County.  Eden Crest representatives invited people to visit.  New BNA engagement committee is organizing monthly socials on the 1st Wednesday of each month.  

Next meeting: March 17th at 6:30 at 4326 Hickman Road