City crews will start spraying herbicide to reduce an overgrowth of dandelions at recreation sites, school sites and playgrounds on Friday.
Depending on the weather, the green space at St. Patrick’s Community School, G.H. Dawe Community School and along with the West Park Middle School ball diamond area is scheduled to be treated.
City staff will take the following steps to ensure residents know where and when spraying on recreation sites takes place:
* Crews will set up signs in designated areas 48 hours before treatment.
* Immediately after the treatment, a commissionaire or city staffer will be on site for eight hours to tell park users about the herbicide application.
* Any play structures will be thoroughly sprayed with a water truck.
* Warning signs will be posted for 24 hours following application.
* The city will use equipment and procedures specifically designed to reduce overspray.
* All spraying will be completed under the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator.
The city has reallocated its pesticide use from roadways to neighbourhood parks over the course of this three-year treatment program in response to a growing number of complaints from residents who consider dandelions an eyesore and threat to their enjoyment of green spaces.
Other priority locations will be treated near the end of August.
Residents will be kept informed with further public notices and updates on the city website, www.reddeer.ca/parks. For more information, call 403-342-8234.