City of San Jose, CA
10/06/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2022 21:02
#SILICONVALLEYSTRONGHEROES D5 Community Collaborated to Preserve Legacy of Significant Neighborhood Tree
#SILICONVALLEYSTRONGHEROES D5 Community Collaborated to Preserve Legacy of Significant Neighborhood Tree
Age-Old Tree Predates the Neighborhood and Will Continue to Benefit Future Generations
Post Date:10/06/2022 3:00 PM
*This is a special feature from the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
"It's not about the size of the park but the people who speak up for their community space. The newest components to the park represent the voices of the community who work together to enrich the lives of residents," said Veronica Schulte, PRNS Parks Manager.
Nearly 5 years ago, the City's arborist identified that a venerable tree in Fleming Park was in poor health, eventually resulting in the tree's removal. The neighborhood was shocked and upset with the removal.
However, the neighborhood and the City worked together to ensure the age-old tree's legacy would continue.
In response to the community, the City's Exhibit Designer, Mark Rayner, developed a project using the remnants of the large tree to build benches, an educational tree ring element, and a "little library" tree trunk, into the park.
Our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes is the District 5 neighborhoods of Joseph George and St. John Vianny communities for their shared efforts in preserving the history of the longstanding community tree.
On Friday, September 16, the City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new "little library" and tree ring in Fleming Park. Residents swapped out books to enjoy from the library, read a bit of history on the tree ring, sat on the new park benches, and enjoyed refreshments.
Longtime resident, Julie Ramirez, shared remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony and said, "the newest amenities at Fleming Park serves as a tremendous asset to the District 5 community." The park has served as a venue for birthday parties, National Nights Out, Girl Scouts, and PTA meetings.
Ramirez added that, "repurposing a longstanding component of the park is a considerate action that honors the park's rich history and the beautiful tree that preceded the neighborhood."
For more information on Fleming Park or to find a park near you, please visit bit.ly/ParksFinderMap.
Return to full list >>"It's not about the size of the park but the people who speak up for their community space. The newest components to the park represent the voices of the community who work together to enrich the lives of residents," said Veronica Schulte, PRNS Parks Manager.
Nearly 5 years ago, the City's arborist identified that a venerable tree in Fleming Park was in poor health, eventually resulting in the tree's removal. The neighborhood was shocked and upset with the removal.
However, the neighborhood and the City worked together to ensure the age-old tree's legacy would continue.
In response to the community, the City's Exhibit Designer, Mark Rayner, developed a project using the remnants of the large tree to build benches, an educational tree ring element, and a "little library" tree trunk, into the park.
Our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes is the District 5 neighborhoods of Joseph George and St. John Vianny communities for their shared efforts in preserving the history of the longstanding community tree.
District 5 Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco pictured with Ángel Madero, the D5 Community Relations Lead, next to the tree ring educational exhibit.
On Friday, September 16, the City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new "little library" and tree ring in Fleming Park. Residents swapped out books to enjoy from the library, read a bit of history on the tree ring, sat on the new park benches, and enjoyed refreshments.
Longtime resident, Julie Ramirez, shared remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony and said, "the newest amenities at Fleming Park serves as a tremendous asset to the District 5 community." The park has served as a venue for birthday parties, National Nights Out, Girl Scouts, and PTA meetings.
Ramirez added that, "repurposing a longstanding component of the park is a considerate action that honors the park's rich history and the beautiful tree that preceded the neighborhood."
The new "little library", made from the time-honored tree, is already filled with books at Fleming Park.
For more information on Fleming Park or to find a park near you, please visit bit.ly/ParksFinderMap.