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will provide a full canopy (maple, for example). Plantings here will be in deference to a long-term project as we're not recommending planting mature trees. 6. The garden itself should be a reflective area of solitude. Currently, there is too much activity flowing into this area from the trail and adjacent park area, which impacts the serene nature of this garden. Rearranging the vegetation around the park to form a natural (but permeable) barrier will create a gentle "room"effect that will help isolate the area around the garden and tie the space together. While the garden has a natural, somewhat wild, feel to it, the benches should be arranged symmetrical to the axis of the garden. A pair of short, subtle wood chip trails off of the Paul Bunyan trail will guide people through the enhanced buffering and into the garden area. 7. The topography in this area provides a natural overlook to the garden below. Moving the trees out of the way will enhance this view. There needs to be a vegetative buffer created along the south side of the picnic shelter(and all trash containers and other unsightly items need to be moved to the north or west side) to not distract from this area. The benches should be placed at the top of the hill in a pattern slightly skew from the trail yet clearly focusing on the garden below. Vegetation should be added on the south side of this area to further frame the view on the garden area. 8. The entire veteran's memorial is well-intentioned, but the design and layout is subtly discomforting, thereby doing a disservice to the hard work and resources that have done into creating this monument. Some changes to the site could enhance its grandeur and import within the park and focus due attention on the efforts of veterans. First, as a centerpiece monument in a relatively open area,there is a need to make the winding approach more linear. A winding path works well in the woods or a more closed area, but here a straight path from the Paul Bunyan Trail, as well one to the west connecting to the park trail, would focus proper attention on the area. Second, a monument of this type should be arranged in a more symmetrical fashion. As it currently sits, the objects within the memorial site, including the flag, are not arranged in any discernable pattern which, in a subtle way, makes the space uncomfortable. Since the intention of the memorial is not to make people uncomfortable in their moment of reflection but instead to relate the community's respect for the sacrifice of so many, rearranging the objects in this site to a more classical form would enhance the power of the message. Finally, the display of the flag is an important aspect in communicating what this site is. Right now the flag feels like more of an afterthought. Consideration should be give to the size, location and approach to the flag so as to emphasize its impact, particularly on those that view this memorial from further away. 9. This is an area of the park that should be used to sculpt flower beds and very low(1-2 foot) shrubs naturally into the landscape. This is not an active part of the park and so its value is in its aesthetics. It is a visual transition between the adjacent roadways and the park and serves as a backdrop for those attending concerts at the band shell. The current grass is not lush and professionally-maintained (it is mowed, but not to a park quality) and, at many points throughout the year, has a negative visual impact. Pequot Lakes Staff Report June 19,2014 3