Hello all,

I'm in the process of gathering info for a pitch I'd like to make to the city of Arlington's Parks Dept. Am currently involved with an effort to refurbish a small (16 acre) park in my neighborhood, and while the endeavor to raise funds and awareness for improvements (no small feat in itself!) is underway, I'm particularly keen about launching this park as a pilot project to eventually put the entire P & R Dept. on organics. I realize turning around an entire city will not happen overnight, and with existing purchase contracts, etc. in existence, this will also not be an easy task. However, the potential I think is just too great to pass up.

The topography of this particular piece of land is unique; located in north Arlington, and somewhat hilly and uneven, with numerous trees. A creek borders one or two sides of the triangular-shaped area, and I believe this creek eventually feeds into Johnson Creek. The third side of the property is AISD land and an elementary school. (Educational opportunities could also abound here!)

I'm targeting info (published, as well as physical examples) of properties in the metro area that use organics on a large scale, as well as installations of the Texas Tech-founded Turffalo grass.

Can anyone help point me in the direction of people who can help me make a case, as well as examples of areas (municipal and/or commercial) where this has been successfully implemented? (Testimonials!) Of course, cost analysis will be a concern, and I'm also hoping to locate information on any grant programs that may be available for this sort of project.

I would like to put this together within the next two weeks or so, at least by the mid-October.

Parks Dept. master plan link:

http://tinyurl.com/jj37v
Give this a few seconds to load; it's a pretty detailed aerial map. I can find info on xeriscaping and plant selection, as well as some suppliers, but it's the practical experience from actual case histories that I really need.

Any help, (and $$ donations as well) are greatly needed and appreciated! For FW Star-Telegram customers, see the article of 9-24-06 on the front page of the Arlington section. (I'm one of the people quoted in it.)

Please email me offline if you have contact names or information you don't wish to post publicly.

My most appreciative thanks for help and suggestions,

Green Husker

Call Amanda Vanhoosier with the city of Coppell. She was successful in getting the city to change their acceptable tree list as well as starting a very successful community gardening and composting program.
It's been 5 years since I worked with her so things might have changed.
Tony M

The city of Frisco has been very forward in their drive to "go green".
The city website has information on their recycling, compost & waste disposal programs. I know they hold at least one environmental fair every year. Last year there were two.
Here's the link to their environmental services department, a good place to start asking questions.
http://www.ci.frisco.tx.us/departments/Environmental_Services/index.aspx?id=2721

Have you contacted the Arlington organic garden club?
Their website is
http://www.aogc.org

Having worked with various organizations (Dallas ISD being one), I can tell you that most of the folks you will encounter these days know a great deal about what you're driving toward and would prefer you be successful. They've learned it makes their jobs safer and easier in the long run too. It is a mistake to approach any environmental or parks & rec department these days assuming they are without knowledge of organic & natural methods, xeriscaping & composting. Quite the contrary.

Maybe we could get a crew from the DD website forums to come for an event? Nadine, Greg - you up for another project?
Kathe