Park and Recreation Advisory Commission - Washington Park Landscape Mode Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Action Items # 3.
ITEM TITLE: Park and Recreation Advisory Commission - Request to
Change Washington Park Landscape Mode for Pest
Management.
SUMMARY: Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
recommending changing Washington Park from a"Mode 1"
to a"Mode 2" Landscape in the Integrated Pest
Management Program (IPM).
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Council
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Request from Park and Recreation Commission Supporting Documentation
THE CM OF Dub
u
que
All-A City
DUB E ' III ►
Masterpiece on the Mississippi �oo�.2012
-2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor Roy Buol and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robin Kennicker, Chair, Park and Recreation Commission
SUBJECT: Request to Change Washington Park from "Mode 1 Landscape" to "Mode
2 Landscape" in City of Dubuque Integrated Pest Management Program
DATE: September 21, 2016
INTRODUCTION
Members of the Park & Recreation Advisory Commission recently learned that the lawn
at Washington Park is listed as a "Mode 1 Landscape" in the city's new Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) Program. The Commission is presenting a recommendation to the
City for reclassification of this park to a "Mode 2 Landscape."
BACKGROUND
The "Mode 1 Landscape" designation means the lawn area of Washington Park is more
likely to be blanket-sprayed with chemical pesticides.
While the flower beds are already treated, the lawn has not been sprayed for some
time, and has not been sprayed yet this season. This is consistent with the vast majority
of parks in Dubuque, which are classified as "Mode 2" Landscapes, where the grassy
areas are not sprayed.
DISCUSSION
The park seems to be an increasingly popular green space in our community, being
utilized by professionals eating lunch, downtown residents and families, out-of-town
visitors, DubuqueFest Art Fest participants and, recently, an influx of Pokemon Go
players.
Considering recent concerns from citizens regarding the use of chemical pesticides and
other toxins in our environment, as well as the city's own sustainability goals, the Park
and Recreation Commission respectfully asks that the City Manager and City Council to
support the reclassification of the lawn at Washington Park from "Mode 1" to "Mode 2",
and keep the turf areas of the park pesticide free.
This action may align with the City's Five-Year Community Goals for a Sustainable
Dubuque, including:
• Environmental/Ecological Integrity
• Social/Cultural Vibrancy
As well as parts of the 2031 Vision Statement:
• Dubuque 2031 is sustainable and resilient.
• It is an inclusive and equitable community.
• Our residents experience healthy living and active lifestyles, and have choices of
quality, livable neighborhoods.
ACTION STEP
The action requested is for the City Manager and City Council to consider and support
the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to reclassify
Washington Park from a Mode 1 to a Mode 2 Landscape.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this proposal.
RK:et
copy Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager