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identify and purchase, when feasible, products that are “green” or made from/containing recycled materials.

• Staff recognizes the need to implement a viable waste recycling program in the City parks.

Strategies

• Continue to perform research and networking to identify and use environmentally green products for use in the parks system. Examples are using recycled tires in playground surfacing and recycled materials in park benches, as well as testing more environmentally friendly fertilizers and broadleaf weed control products.

• Staff will be testing the performance of organic fertilizers vs. conventional fertilizers starting in spring 2008.

• Staff is in the process of implementing a pilot recycling program in the parks. The initial plan is to implement this on a small scale in one of the community parks, such as Avery Park or Darree Fields, then evaluate and refine the program. Several years ago the Grounds Maintenance staff provided recycling containers in select parks, but had minimal success due to issues with trash being placed in the containers. Currently, staff is identifying the type

of receptacle that would be best suited for park use.

Policy 8: Creation of natural areas would reduce or eliminate the need for turf chemicals in specified areas, reducing the need for routine mowing, resulting in lower emissions and creating buffer areas for native wildlife.

Issue

• Excessive chemical treatment for manicured landscapes could result in decreased biodiversity.

Strategies

• Identify areas within parks, open spaces and rights-of-way to be allowed to return to a more natural state or converted into native prairies.

• Create natural buffers within parklands, open space and rights-of-way.