Billings Parks and Recreation staff propose that Council accept a $5,000 donation from Bright n’ Beautiful to purchase and plant trees in Lillis and Descro Parks.  Bright n’ Beautiful, in cooperation with the Parks Department staff, prepared and submitted the grant application to the UPS Community Foundation.  If Council accepts the $5,000,  25-30 trees will be planted on April 15^th at the aforementioned parks.  As per grant requirement, volunteers from UPS will join Bright n’ Beautiful representatives and Park/Forestry staff to plant the trees.  These trees will provide benefits to the park such as additional shade and aesthetic enhancement of the landscape. 

↵City Council may:

• Approve and accept the $5,000 donation from Bright n’ Beautiful for purchasing and planting trees at Lillis and Descro Parks, or;
• Do not accept the donation and provide staff with additional guidance.

The financial impact to the city will be limited to staff time to assist with the planting the trees on April 15^th.  The $5,000 grant will cover the cost of purchasing the trees and supplies such as fence posts and protective fencing. 

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the $5,000 donation from Bright n’ Beautiful for purchasing and planting trees at Lillis and Descro Parks.