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The sun shines brightly Friday afternoon over Brandon Park during the Arbor Day observance. A number of trees and benches were dedicated for the observance by the Brandon Park Commission including a Swamp White Oak in memory of Vicki Smith, a Weeping Willow in memory of Airforce veteran Earl E. Winder and a Red Oak in memory of former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
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The sun shines brightly Friday afternoon over Brandon Park during the Arbor Day observance. A number of trees and benches were dedicated for the observance by the Brandon Park Commission including a Swamp White Oak in memory of Vicki Smith, a Weeping Willow in memory of Airforce veteran Earl E. Winder and a Red Oak in memory of former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The sun shines brightly Friday afternoon over Brandon Park during the Arbor Day observance. A number of trees and benches were dedicated for the observance by the Brandon Park Commission including a Swamp White Oak in memory of Vicki Smith, a Weeping Willow in memory of Airforce veteran Earl E. Winder and a Red Oak in memory of former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
An outpouring of support was seen at the annual Arbor Day ceremony at Brandon Park Friday. Near perfect conditions brought the crowds, with many folks attending the service near the park’s rotunda.
They gathered to celebrate the national holiday but also to observe the park’s 135 years and perform the annual presentation of the trees and benches named in memory and honor of loved ones.
Arbor Day is a national holiday to reflect on the value and importance of trees in the environment and it often includes tree and seedling plantings and benches in all that have plates affixed to them with names to honor loved ones of the past and presents and dedicated to individuals and families.
The lovely service was led by Deb Allison, chair of the Brandon Park and Shade Tree Commission.
The park has a 135-year history and was a gift to the city from A. Boyd Cummings.
The sun shines brightly Friday afternoon over Brandon Park during the Arbor Day observance. A number of trees and benches were dedicated for the observance by the Brandon Park Commission including a Swamp White Oak in memory of Vicki Smith, a Weeping Willow in memory of Airforce veteran Earl E. Winder and a Red Oak in memory of former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Today, a total of 13 benches are in the park with name plates in honor of individuals, said Jennifer Dudek, a member of the volunteer commission. Dudek handed out hand-drawn maps showing where trees were planted and benches were located.
Along with Allison and Dudek, the commission members are William F. McConnell, Spring Moore, Ron Diemer, Dennis Loner and Sid Furst.
The DuBoistown Garden Club and volunteer Don Sinclair were noted for their volunteer work at the park.
The Arbor Day honors and memorials of the trees and benches were presented.
Major Derek Slaughter observed the commission’s commitment to the park and to the shade trees around the city. Slaughter said the park is a place for anyone to visit to seek serenity, take in nature and its beauty, and enjoy some recreation.
I have noted the many upgrades in the park, including the ongoing renovation of the band shell along with ball games to be played at the two Little League fields and the partnership the city has with Lycoming College for big fields.
The park also has tennis courts, lighting, a playground, nature play area, lighted sidewalk pathways and ample parking inside and around the park boundary.
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