May 2024 - Parks & Recreation - 27

during the Apollo 14 mission in
1971. Seeds from this " moon tree "
were distributed across the United
States, and one of the offspring resides
on the U.S. Capitol grounds,
symbolizing
the
United
States'
achievements in space exploration,
according to NASA (tinyurl.com/
yc46dutn).
Urban Forestry in
Overland Park
Our current era of administering
urban forest programs provides us
the opportunity to continue this
practice to reflect society during
the 21st century. In Overland Park,
Kansas, our urban forestry program
works with the Kansas Forest
Service to designate Champion
Trees.
Champion Trees are designated
by a point system calculated using
the tree's circumference, height and
crown spread. Identifying Champion
Trees honors large, resilient
trees; increases awareness of a variety
of tree species; and promotes
preservation for both historical and
scientific interests.
Overland Park has four Champion
Trees: black cherry, cherrybark
oak, post oak and the shingle oak.
Their sizes and locations can be
found at tinyurl.com/3tt7y7av.
Overland Park's
forestry
program
also manages the Plant Pink
Forest. This specialty forest primarily
features ornamental trees with
pink blooms to
highlight
breast
cancer awareness.
These are just a few examples of
how urban forest programs play a
significant role in cultural and historical
awareness and education in
our municipalities. As stewards of
public spaces, park and recreation
professionals can take proactive
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Lower Cost, Low Maintenance,
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measures to help others appreciate
the significance trees hold in our
communities. The potential for further
impact and growth in this area
is exciting to explore.
Jermel Stevenson, CPRP, is Director of Parks and
Recreation at the City of Overland Park, Kansas
(jermel.stevenson@opkansas.org).
Mini Golf
A Modular Advantage® eco-friendly course can eliminate major excavation and
disruption of existing flora and fauna, yet provide challenging rolling terrain, faux
sand bunkers and more! Photo: Evergreen Mini Golf Course, Fish Creek, WI
Our Modular Advantage® Mini Golf System
uses patented interlocking, flexible, 100%
permeable panels made of recycled materials
to provide the look and feel of a concrete mini
golf course, putting green or portable mini
golf holes without major excavation costs,
surface cracking or upkeep. You'll enjoy faster
installation, less maintenance, eco-friendliness
(and ADA compliance if desired)!
Outdoors, indoors or on rooftops... permanent,
temporary or fully portable (like our RollOut™
Mini Golf), we have ideas and solutions to
make your park, water park or golf course
more inviting, profitable and fun!
See what we can do for you -
contact us today!
A downtown " Pop-Up " park using the AGS
MiniLinks™ portable-modular mini golf system. Your
team can install or AGS can provide a professional
installation crew. Photo: City of Delta, B.C.
Permeable, interlocking flexible, patented panels
provide fast drainage and quick-dry, no-mess operation.
No water pooling or surface cracking common with
concrete surfaces. Photo: City of Leesville, LA
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | MAY 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
27
http://tinyurl.com/yc46dutn http://tinyurl.com/3tt7y7av http://www.AGSGolfAndSports.com
May 2024 - Parks & Recreation

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