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Residents defend organic treatments at parks

Backers of chemical-free parks OK with a few more weeds
Marbury

Days after news surfaced that the city of Durango’s organic parks program could face major changes, more than 40 residents showed up in force Monday at a City Council meeting, barraging elected officials in support of the program.

“Why are we allowing there to be public treatment on parks when afterwards no children are allowed to play there?” asked Rebecca Favero. “Where is the logic in that? Where is the heart in that?”

On Friday, an article published in The Durango Herald stated that Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz asked the Durango City Council to drop organic treatment in six of eight city parks, saying the program does not effectively reduce the amount of weeds and is not cost-effective.

“The longer the parks stay in the program, the more likely it is we are going to have to go in and rescue them,” Metz told the Herald.

Yet, residents speaking for nearly two hours Monday in the public comment portion of the meeting said the presence of slightly more weeds and the added expense of $22,545 to keep the project going pale in comparison to the risks associated with using herbicides.

“I would so much rather my son twist an ankle than be exposed to chemicals,” said Sheryl McGourty, adding she’d be OK with exceeding the city standard that mandates the percentage of weeds in parks at 5 percent. “I’m hopeful, but also frustrated.”

Katrina Blair argued that dropping six parks from the program would go against ten years of conversation, as well as a city resolution, that sought a better treatment plan for managing city parks. She recommended the addition of five new parks to the program, especially along the Animas River.

“Organic programs can be done successfully, by over-seeding and aeration,” she said. “Our community, which is so environmentally aware and conscious, says no (to herbicides). We’re not ignorant anymore. We can make a change together in a really positive way.”

Tricia Gourley, too, took issue with the assertion city parks are overrun with weeds, that organic treatment is not working, and that the cost of continuing the program is a reason to stop it.

“To say this program is not working is ridiculous,” she said. “It’s a chemical warfare, and we’re spraying it on our parks, where our children play.”

City Councilor Dick White voiced concern that the use of herbicides could have potentially adverse impacts if used next to waterways, with some chemicals having toxic effects for aquatic life.

Thought Metz was not in attendance, city councilor Sweetie Marbury reprimanded the crowd for its negative attacks on a city staff member.

“I’m glad she’s not here because to tell you the truth, they are disrespectful,” Marbury said. “She’s a director, tireless, and … recognized nationally. Slinging stones and arrows at city staff doesn’t work for me at all.”

Marbury reiterated previous concerns that fields with bare spots pose a risk to children playing athletics. “For your passion, there’s another side of the story too,” she said.

City Manager Ron LeBlanc told the crowd the official hearing for the city’s nearly $93 million budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1, with time for public comment. City councilors will then have to decide how to allocate money for the budget.

“City Council is ultimate authority in deciding policy for the city,” he said. “Democracy is an interesting form of government. What we are witnessing today is a democratic process working its way through.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com



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