By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green is trying out a new product that may put a slight spring in the step of walkers as well as help trees along city sidewalks.
Buckled up sidewalk pavement is being replaced by a product made from recycled tires. The first experiment with the rubber surface sidewalks is being tried on a small section of Eberly Street, where tree roots had buckled up the paved sidewalks, said Bowling Green Public Works Director Brian Craft.
Craft explained to city council Monday evening that the recycled tire product is flexible with expanding tree roots, and with the ground as it freezes and thaws in the winter – “where concrete will break.”
The rubber will not only help trees by allowing their roots to grow without buckling the concrete, but it will also be beneficial to walkers. It should reduce the trip hazards of broken pavement, and it will allow the water to run into the ground rather than gathering on the pavement and freezing in winter.
“It’s a way to save the trees and not damage the roots,” Craft said.
The city may try the rubber material next on some sidewalk sections on North Maple Street.
The recycled tire product costs about $6 a square foot, which is comparable to concrete. However, the rubber takes more labor and time since it has to be mixed as it is applied.
“The pace is slower,” Craft said. But it is probably worth the expense, “if it saves you from taking down a perfectly healthy tree,” whose roots are causing upheaval with concrete sidewalks.
The city may also try the rubber material in the downtown area next to the bricks around trees. The material may work well to slope up around the trees, Craft said.
“It’s good for the environment,” he said. And “it’s really going to wear well.”
Craft does have some concerns about snow removal on the rubber, but will wait and see how it goes over winter. The rubber comes in different colors, with the city using a dark gray on Eberly Street.
In other business, Mayor Dick Edwards reported that city officials attended a meeting on water issues with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments on Monday.
“This ended up being a very positive meeting,” unlike some previous meetings on the topic, Edwards said.
“Toledo is coming to the realization,” that very few major cities rely on just one water intake, the mayor said.
Also at the meeting, Edwards encouraged city residents to take advantage of the home energy audit program being offered by Columbia Gas. The energy audits identify ways that homeowners can make changes to save energy and money.
In other business, it was announced that the Bowling Green Police Division will soon be going through an onsite assessment as part of the accreditation process.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reported the onsite assessment will look at the police policies, administration, operations and support systems. A public information session will be held July 26, at 5:30 p.m., in the Simpson Garden Park building. The public is also welcome to call in their comments on July 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., by calling 419-352-7459.
Tretter said the city’s fire and police divisions are both accredited, which is a point of pride for Bowling Green.
Also at Monday’s meeting, City Council,
- Learned from Craft that the city’s downtown Lot 2 will be striped on Friday, and then open again for parking. An emulsion has been placed on it that will help the surface last longer, but it must sit for a few days before being used.
- The closure of East Gypsy Lane Road at South Main Street started on Monday for the widening to add a left turn lane. The road will be closed for 18 days.
- Heard from Kristin Otley, parks and recreation director, that the city parks have seen a lot of use from people playing Pokeman Go, including a lot of people who don’t normally visit the parks. “They are out in the park in full force,” she said. But Otley cautioned that at least one person, who was intently looking at his phone, came close to being hit by a car. “Please be safe,” she said.
- Learned from Otley that the annual Simpson Garden Park gardening symposium will be held July 30.
