News & Events

Those little green canker worms/inchworms LOVE to eat willow oak leaves. Many of our older oaks are at or past their peak, so any additional stress is dangerous for them. That is why it is time to put out tree bands, those sticky bands that trap the females as they go up into the canopy to lay the eggs. (Even what looks like a crummy job, like I did last year, will still catch a lot of bugs.) City arborist Alex Johnson recommends putting up the bands up when 90% of the leaves have fallen or before the first hard frost, whichever comes first.

The Parks and Rec department has submitted the design plan for the remodel of the Bill Anderson pavilion (the old bath house) for budget review. This is the first step toward actually getting the project funded. In our conversations with Tom Dawson of P&R, he has made it clear that the City Council is much more likely to fund a project where there is neighborhood support. That is where you (and your checkbook) come in. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in the neighborhood, which is a small fraction of the total cost, but which if we can raise it will be politically important. More detailed fundraising ideas and grant possibilities are being developed. Stay tuned for those. But the Board is sending this out now with the hope of getting the ball rolling. Pledges and checks will be gratefully accepted. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Duke Park Preservation Initiative, our 501(c)(3) arm. Mail them to Daniel Read, DPPI treasurer, 1424 Acadia Street, 27701.

Download the latest Around The Park neighborhood newsletter for Spring 2016.

http://www.dukepark.org/newsletter

The two intersections and block (100 East Markham) that make up this complicated and dangerous part of our neighborhood have been the subject of discussion and concern for along time. Since the street is part of US 15-501 it is controlled by state Department of Transportation. The City will fund the improvements but they have to be apporved by the State. The primary goals of the new design were to reduce traffic speed and increase safety for pedestrians.