HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9071INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9071
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Organic Programs in Parks Facilities
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June 23, 2009
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This informal report is in response to questions raised during the Pre - Council meeting on May 19,
2009, regarding the city's use of organic products in city parks and facilities.
The Parks and Community Services Department uses a variety of organic products and programs
at the municipal golf courses, Fort Woof Dog Park, the Botanic Garden, Forestry Tree Farm and
on athletic fields. Programs for each of these facilities are summarized in the following.
Fort Woof Doss Park
Since opening the Dog Park in 2003, patrons and staff alike have agreed to use an organic
program at the facility. Fort Woof utilizes Fish Hydrolysate to fertilize the park. Pre - emergent
Weed Control applied in February and September of each year is Corn Gluten Meal which also
has fertilization value. Post Emergent Weed Control is 20% Vinegar, which is non selective and
is applied in areas near the wash down station and drinking fountain. Organic Solution Insecticide
used is composed mainly of diatomaceous earth. Baits are used for fire ants as needed. Pet
Waste Bags are biodegradable in 1 year time. Bat Houses have been added to assist in control
of mosquitoes.
City of Fort Worth Golf Courses
All five courses are performing pilot projects using organic products in designated areas. The use
of organics will continue throughout the growing season, at which time an evaluation will be
conducted. If positive results are found, a more extensive use of organics will result in 2010.
Pecan Valley is using organic fertilizers in designated fairways. Meadowbrook is using organic
fertilizers on fairways and tees. Sycamore, Rockwood and Z Boaz are utilizing an organic
fertilizer program on their putting surface(s).
Athletic Fields
Athletic field maintenance involves solid cultural practices such as returning clippings to the soil,
aerification, dethatching turf and adding potassium and magnesium supplements to promote
healthy root zones on high wear surfaces. Irrigation is managed through the computerized
irrigation system which allows staff to program exact amounts of water to the turf, based on
evapotransporation rate. A pilot program utilizing organic fertilizer and weed control products is
being introduced to the two new soccer fields at Gateway Park this year. Staff will utilize the data
compiled at this location to plan future introduction of organic practices to the 10 athletic field
complexes.
Botanic Garden
The Conservatory and Water Conservation Garden use beneficial insects, organic mulch and
only organic pesticides as necessary. Native and adapted plants used must be able to survive on
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH_ TEXAS
I I Lei 1014 Tj
0000-TIrt To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 23, 2009
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: Organic Programs in Parks Facilities
rainwater alone. The Native Grass Bed uses only native grasses and the Compost Outpost
exhibits decomposition of organic debris from the Botanic Garden.
Forestry -Tree Farm
The Tree Farm utilizes organic fertilizers and composted mulch generated by tree trimming to
mulch trees and to improve soil quality for containers and grown trees. In 2008, Forestry installed
a 10,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system at the tree farm that is able to capture and use
approximately 170,000 gallons of rainwater each year.
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A. Fisseler, P.E.
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ISSUED BY THE CIrY MANAGER
FORT WORTH. TEXAS