A tree grows in Chattanooga, five of them planted today
One of my favorite places to hang out in Chattanooga is Coolidge Park. We usually get there a few times in the summer so someone can play in the fountains or to see the fireworks at the end of Riverbend. I know the carousel is a big draw as well, with all the hand carved animals that were carved here in Chattanooga. It really is a special landmark of the city.
It was a sad day in August when the large slippery elm tree had to be removed due to severe damage. It was over 100 years old and it gave Coolidge Park some needed shade for many people. I am glad the city recognized how special the tree was and had special plans on what to do with the wood once the tree came down. Giving the wood to woodworkers to use for their craft will make their pieces truly special.
Tonight’s local news highlighted the new trees that have been planted to replace the slippery elm. There are five trees to represent Chattanooga’s five sister cities- Gangneung, South Korea; Givatayim, Israel; Hamm, Germany; Nizhnii Tagil, Russia; and Wuxi, China. Each tree is indigenous to the country that it represents creating a peace grove in the park. On Arbor Day there will be two more trees planted in honor of our twin cities- Swindon, U.K. and Ascioli Piceno, Italy.
Honoring our sister and twin cities in this way is a great way to use the space. The trees will be tall, provide shade and beauty and represent the goals that the sister city international mission statement:
Sister Cities International (SCI) is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between U.S. and international communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community development and volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials and business leaders to conduct long-term programs of mutual benefit.
The trees should be there for many years, as our relationship with these cities should be as well.
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