We, the citizens of Raleigh, petition the city to provide more resources for parks maintenance and to research creative, "outside the box" ways to care for the many acres of park land owned by the City.

We are grateful that City leaders have provided many acres of green space through the parks and greenway system, and we appreciate the hard work done by the staff that cares for these open spaces. But, there are not enough paid staff members, volunteers, Adopt-A-Park programs, and other resources to care for our natural parks, and as a result, heavy overgrowth of non-native, invasive vines, in particular English ivy, provides cover for noxious and threatening substances, posing a health threat to streams and riparian buffers. It also limits sight-lines so that we cannot see across the park to our neighbors, which has the potential to encourage criminal activity.

Forest researchers are reporting a growth surge for woody vines. Invasive vine concerns include displacement of native plant populations and making trees vulnerable to high winds, water, and ice.

Keeping parks manicured, safe and attractive makes the surrounding neighborhoods more appealing, leading to stronger property values and happier residents as well as a more balanced ecosystem.

We ask that the City Council appropriate more resources for parks cleanup in the city of Raleigh and that the City take better care of the property it owns.