Public Works Update: Arbor Day, Volunteer Service, Eagle Scout Project

The following are updates on recent volunteer activities completed throughout Union City. Each brief was written by Nelson Kirk, grounds supervisor for the City of Union City's department.

Eagle Scout Project

Christopher Lin's Eagle Scout project was completed at in Union City on April 29. Christopher and his crew of volunteers worked to improve a picnic site. They built a 72-foot long seat wall, planted flowering trees and vines. A faded  plant bed was renewed with bay-friendly flowering shrubs. Christopher also painted the picnic tables, barbeques, benches and the horse shoe pit walls. The area was then mulched and the automatic irrigation system received repairs. The picnic site looks great and will be enjoyed by numerous families this summer and years to come.

Mormon Helping Hands Volunteer Day

The (LDS) of Union City volunteered throughout the city's parks system on April 30. Union City residents will benefit from the hard work of the LDS volunteers. The LDS group worked at three locations. Their work was outstanding! Each year they have volunteered in Union City several times. They are very friendly and have a great attitude toward their community.

At , LDS volunteers planted 40 Jacaranda trees along the walkways. The park is popular for residents who do a lot of walking. The trees will add beauty and shade. The tree planting made a big statement and was just what the park needed.

At , the LDS volunteers weeded and mulched the Island and planted bay friendly flowering shrubs around the large bridge lagoon area. They also planted flowering shrubs and mulched around the library plaza. Star jasmines were planted along the walkways.

Native trees and shrubs were planted along the creek riparian area with the assistance of Amy Evans from the Alameda County Resource Conservation District. The LDS volunteers added playground chips to all the fitness course areas. Litter was removed  from the creek and around the skate park. Sea Lavender was planted around the playground. Walkways were broomed off around the lagoon. Union City residents will benefit with the park improvements.

At the , the LDS volunteers built the new walkways that lead to 20 new gardening plots. The plots allow residences to grow their own vegetables. There are now 37 gardening plots at the Seven Hills Community Garden. Each plot has its own water faucet. Sustainability by growing vegetables locally is a bay friendly practice. It's encouraging to see people nurturing the soil and planting vegetables. Each gardener can learn some new tricks by observing each person’s plot. Together they all grow healthy vegetables and other edible food crops.

Arbor Day Tree Planting

Volunteers from the Resonate Church in Fremont set up a planting party at in Union City on May 7 to honor Arbor Day. Seventy native trees were planted along the Old Alameda Creek watershed within Sugar Mill Park. Church members also installed 10 blue jay bird houses in the eucalyptus grove and installed two Old Alameda Creek watershed signs.

Resonate Church volunteers organized this project with Union City Public Works. Union City residents and local wildlife will benefit from these improvements. The indigenous tree species planted are box elder, willow, blue oak, coast live oak, valley oak, buckeye, bay laurel, redbud, and big leaf maple.  The trail system connects with the . Volunteers were pleased with their production and the results. It was hard work and everybody had a great time! Generous donations were received from Texas Roadhouse, Fresh Choice and Starbuck Coffee from Union Landing in Union City.