Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council updates park and tree board

The Red Oak Park and Tree Board is lending its support to the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.
At the regular meeting April 13, the board heard comments from MYAC member Joselyn McCunn, who shared details on a proposed project they are looking at doing to upgrade Indian Gully, located just past the dog park on 8th Street.
“The main idea is to get the trail mapped out, and get a sign like the one up on Eastern Avenue, placed at the front so more people can know all of the trails. We’ve had the trail walked, and we’re going to get a better map through Montgomery County Secondary Roads and Beau Boeye with Friends of the Red Oak Trail,” McCunn said. “The goal is to put mile markers in, and nature signs, and due the mile marker color schemes like they are on hard surface trails.”
Additionally, McCunn said they are looking to get some benches to place at Indian Gully from Red Oak Fabrication. They are currently waiting for cost estimates. One other feature McCunn is hoping they can install are holders for dog waste and birdhouses, depending on what funds can be raised.
“One of our potential ideas is that people may want to have the bench include the name of a loved one, which would help us in our fundraising. Friends of the Red Oak Trails is also assisting with items,” commented McCunn. “For the birdhouses, My thought is that the Scouts would probably love to help with that, or 4-Hers, and perhaps the Red Oak schools shop class.”
A complete trail map is estimated to cost around $200, and McCunn said it will be color-coded to indicate each particular trail. Plans are to complete portions of the project in two phases, with the map and signs in plase one and items such as the dog waste receptacles in the second phase.
Chairman Bill Drey suggested getting the materials and getting volunteer help to build the sign for Indian Gully and that would be a cost saver.
“We could get volunteers, we often have more people we can use, and they would likely be able to make a sign like the one at Eastern Avenue. Right now, we’re very tight on money in our budget, but I like the ideas you have,” Drey said.
Board Member Alex McFarland offered to assist McCunn and the MYAC in efforts for fundraising, stating she had lots of experience in coordinating fundraisers in the past.
Boeye said he had been meeting with the group and noted there was a lot of excitement for the project.
“The members have done a lot of research on it, and there’s a lot of potential for a phase three of the project, such as a potential expansion. Friends of the Red Oak Trails completely supports it, and our board will hold discussions on fundraising,” advised Boeye.
Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius was in agreement that a phase three to the project would be a great idea, and would be a benefit to the county.
Other members of the MYAC are Cyrus Mensen, Sebastian “Baz” Clear, Jonah Thomason, Hailey Rydberg, and Bella Glassel. Advisors include Cynthia Bangston, Dave Dimmit,t, and Silvius.
The Park and Tree Board issued their approval for the MYAC to proceed with the project.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the request from Classy Chassis Car Club for the use of Fountan Square Park on Aug. 19 for Old Car Day.
• Approved a request from the Red Oak Rotary Club for use of the Fountain Square Park shelter for a pancake feed from 5:30 to 10 a.m. June 24.