Rotolo Park Tree Removal FAQs

Why are the trees being removed?

The trees that are being removed were either in conflict with the South Englewood Flood Reduction project’s design or were deemed unhealthy or unsafe by Parks, Recreation, Library and Golf.

What does it mean to be in conflict with the design?

The trees that were in conflict with the design were either at an elevation that was changing or in a location that required excavation for the new design. The project’s design includes raising the west bank of the detention facility that comprises the Rotolo field. Raising the west bank is necessary to provide the head pressure needed to force water into the pipe at the new outlet structure while simultaneously providing additional flood protection for residents on Stanford Avenue. The design also includes excavating for a trickle channel on the south side of the park. This will require the installation of a block wall and removal of a portion of the south bank of the Rotolo field.

How was it determined that a tree was unhealthy or unsafe?

The City Arborist inspected the trees in the Rotolo field area and found four trees to not be in good health with decay in the tree trunks.

Why couldn’t the project work around the existing trees?

The project couldn’t work around the existing trees for a few different reasons. For the trees on the west bank the increase in elevation that is required to increase stormwater capacity would have necessitated burying the trees, which would not have allowed them to survive.

For the trees on the south bank the new outlet structure and trickle channel require excavation which completely alter the topography of the area. The outlet and trick channel could not have shifted northward without decreasing Rotolo field’s viability as a recreational facility in dry weather conditions and resulted in a negative impact to the sledding hill in the park. Additionally, a northward shift would have increased the complexity of the project due to existing underground utilities.

How many trees are being removed?

A total of 14 trees were removed in October 2024. Nine were in conflict with the South Englewood Flood Reduction project, three were unhealthy and removed at PRLG’s request and two were deemed unsafe and unhealthy by a combined PW and PRLG team.

Was the tree removal part of the Parks Bond that is up for vote this November?

No. This series of tree removals was part of the South Englewood Flood Reduction project, which is fully funded by Public Works and approved for construction by council in 2023.

How was this project communicated to the neighborhood?

This was communicated by a physical mailer that was distributed to 265 residences hand distribution of a door hanger to residences most nearest the disruption. A project employee also had several one-on-one conversations with residents whose properties border the park and were most affected by the tree removal.

Will the trees be replaced?

Yes, in 2025 15 new trees will be planted in Rotolo park as well as additional 44 trees planted around the new detention ponds.

Was the tree removal always part of the South Englewood Flood Reduction project?

Yes. There were five trees on the south side of Rotolo that were in conflict with the original design. An unforeseen circumstance did lead to a design change after construction kicked off that led to the removal of the trees on the west bank of the pond. Additionally, the City Arborist inspected the trees in the area and determined that some were unhealthy or dead and their removal was included as part of this effort.