TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Councilor Linda Nishioka, Ward 1
SUBJECT:
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Motion from Councilor Linda Nishioka concerning modified mowing for the southwest picnic and recreation areas at Bush’s Pasture Park
Ward(s): Ward 2
Councilor(s): Councilor Nishioka
Neighborhood(s): SCAN
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MOTION:
I move that the City Council direct the Parks Maintenance Division to continue the seasonal no-mow/restoration program at Bush’s Pasture Park and, beginning this season and continuing annually, implement a modified mowing approach in the southwest picnic and recreation area as set forth in this motion.
DISCUSSION:
Purpose: Maintain the no-mow and restoration benefits while creating a safe, welcoming picnic area in the southwest corner-responding to community feedback about decreased use, protecting the oaks and young saplings, and assessing whether this approach is suitable for other parks.
Designated Picnic Groves: Maintain annual mowing in the traditional picnic and recreation areas of the park-the area bounded by the pasture on the north, Leffelle Street parking on the south, the paved walkway on the east, and High Street on the west, during the primary use season (approximately May 15-September 30) to support public use and accessibility.
Tree and Sapling Protection: In coordination with Urban Forestry, protect Oregon white oaks and flagged saplings by setting appropriate mower heights, establishing protective buffers around trunks and drip lines, and using practices that prevent compaction and bark or root damage, consistent with the City’s Integrated Pest Management Policy and oak-woodland restoration goals.
Wayfinding & Communication: Provide clear signage and map updates identifying “Designated Picnic Groves (Mowed)” and “Restoration/No-Mow Areas,” so park users know where picnicking is encouraged.
Monitoring & Seasonal Update: Incorporate this approach into the existing maintenance plan (including the planned early-September cut) and, if resources permit, provide a brief end-of-season update to Council on costs, user feedback, and any recommended adjustments for the next season.
Systemwide Evaluation: Work with Urban Forestry to take a fresh look at our other parks with no-mow/restoration areas and identify where a similar modified approach (designated picnic groves, mowed access paths, and defined recreation areas) would make sense to improve public access and seasonal use. If time permits, please bring back recommendations before the next mowing season.
Background: Bush’s Pasture Park is the gem of the city’s park system. It offers many key benefits to the community, including active and passive recreation, historic architecture, and large groves of white oaks. Residents and visitors have enjoyed all these benefits for generations. All these benefits must be well managed and balanced so the community can continue to enjoy them.
The suspension of mowing in the southwest corner of the park has disrupted the balance of park use. While everyone supports the ongoing health of the oak savanna, this is the main area where residents and visitors can enjoy picnicking and recreation in the shade and beauty of the oaks.
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Attachments:
1. None