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Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes September 11, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Brilliance Serviceberry. Councilmember Calva added that evergreens should be part of the plan for winter interest. Commissioner Campbell pointed out that the current plan included covers over the swinging benches. Ms. Meulners-Comstock brought up the consideration of maintenance of the plantings. The Commissioner discussed having prairie plantings. Commissioner Campbell asked about a reasonable level of effort the city could provide to maintain appearance. Ms. Meulners-Comstock stated that limiting the varieties of plants would make it easier to identify weeds. Councilmember Calva asked if volunteers could be found to maintain the area. Ms. Meulners-Comstock reviewed some ideas for funding including adopting a bench or swing or buying pavers with a name on them. Commissioner Calva stated he thought pavers were a great idea and could see people purchasing them for loved ones. Mr. Carlton stated that some of the larger items, such as benches or picnic tables, may be sponsored by local businesses. Ms. Meulners-Comstock added that the information panels could also be sponsored. In addition, grant opportunities may be present. Commissioner Tuckey asked if the information panels would be similar to the one found near Rivers Edge Commons where the information can be switched out over time. Mr. Carlton stated the information panels would have a similar design theme and would allow for changeable content. Commissioner Campbell recommended contacting local companies to donate building or landscaping materials and plants. She also wondered if any of the components would qualify for energy -wise grants such as solar lighting. Ms. Meulners-Comstock reviewed that the Commission was in favor of the journey theme, incorporating a boardwalk, exploring the inclusion of steps, thinking about water interacting with the timeline, more detailed discussion of tree and plant species, and discussing cost estimations and funding opportunities. Commissioner Campbell asked if there would be future discussion of items such as art or a drinking fountain. They agreed that the water tower should not be part of the landscape. Councilmember Calva asked if there could be a way to have the water coming from two different directions and joining to become one to symbolize the Elk River and Mississippi river as well as the unity theme. Ms. Meulners-Comstock suggested pumps on both sides. Commissioner Griffiths commented, if the water is coming from the other side, there would be more reason for a boardwalk crossing it. Ms. Meulners-Comstock brought up the issue of city Public Works staff maintaining a water feature. The water would need to be pumped in. Commissioner Campbell asked about drinking fountains and garbage cans. Mr. Carlton stated a drinking fountain would not be an expectation in such a small park but garbage cans would be included. Ms. Meulners-Comstock brought up the question of lighting and if solar power should be explored. Mr. Carlton felt that electrical lighting should be used, perhaps to include bollards to point the light downward or upward lighting into the trees.