Two black maple trees and one crabapple tree were removed from Triangle Park last week due to what the city of McGregor cited as structural issues that pose long-term safety concerns.
The tree removal is part of the Triangle Park Enhancement Project, which is currently being completed in conjunction with the Brick Street (1st and A Street Reconstruction) Project.
At a special meeting in May, the McGregor City Council accepted a base bid of $169,623 from Bacon Concrete for the Triangle Park Enhancement Project. Along with the noted tree removals, other improvements to Triangle Park will include construction of a new plaza and fountain, site grading and earthwork, concrete pavement installation, irrigation and planting, erosion control and soil preparation.
The health and long-term viability of the trees in Triangle Park have been a frequent topic at city meetings over the past year—and prior. In planning for the project, city officials and the McGregor Parks and Green Spaces Committee brought in experts to evaluate both the trees and soil. Public meetings were held to share findings and recommendations with the community. As a result, the park design and project plans were modified to minimize future impacts to the trees that will remain, but also incorporate soil remediation and other measures intended to help extend their lifespan.
The black maples hold a special place in the community’s history. According to the city, they were planted in 1975 by Dan and Marsha Bickel, and have been lovingly cared for by the couple for more than 50 years.
“Their dedication helped shape Triangle Park into the welcoming gathering place it is today. To honor their stewardship, a new black maple will be planted and dedicated in their name,” the city noted in a press release.
Additionally, the park’s cast iron fountain was recently removed and will be replaced with a new granite fountain feature designed to serve the community for generations to come. The most recent fountain was installed in 1992 through a community effort led by the former Tourism Club. It replaced the fountain originally donated by Diamond Jo and Mary Reynolds in memory of their son, Blake Reynolds.
According to the city, the new fountain was also carefully considered. Both the original fountain and its replacement were made of cast iron and required numerous repairs over the years. After consulting with experts, it was recommended that, given McGregor’s climate and environmental conditions, a more durable material should be used moving forward.
“The Parks and Green Spaces Committee ultimately selected a granite fountain as a way to acknowledge the park’s long history of having a fountain while creating a feature that can better withstand the elements for years to come,” the city stated.
Work in Triangle Park itself will continue intermittently throughout the Brick Street Project, and is anticipated to wrap up by the end of August.
The city noted community input helped shape many of the decisions being made, “and we appreciate the passion people have for Triangle Park and its history.”
