Trees would add shade to Fifth Street Park

Many of you are aware of Fifth Street Park, which features a wonderful variety of play opportunities for young children. The playground equipment is outstanding, offering many options for kids to exercise and have fun. The real highlight of the park is the water feature, where on hot days children can splash and cool off to their heart’s content.

I live very close to the park and drive by it frequently. On nice days, I often walk there and enjoy watching the children play for a few minutes. It did not take long for me to notice one problem with the area. There was absolutely no shade for children or parents to shelter from the hot sun.

I could not help but think how nice it would be to have some trees for natural shading. I spoke to then-town administrator Mark Wells about the need, and he noted he was already working on it. If you are a regular Free Press reader, you may recall seeing an ad for a tree donation program for the park in a recent issue.

While it is true a covered pavilion has been constructed since my first observations, I still think a few well-placed trees would make the park more attractive and cooler by adding color and natural shade. I hope others will agree and join me in ordering trees from Greens & Things, 6964 Alliance Road, Malvern.

There is no need to go there. Just call 330-863-1173 and a tree can be ordered over the phone by specifying it is for Fifth Street Park in Carrollton.

Trees available are Eastern redbud for $625, sugar maple for $650 and flowering dogwood for $500. Prices include professional planting. I know money is tight these days, but I am sure several families whose children use the park regularly, or even the many adults who walk and run there, could join together and split the cost of a tree. Dedication plaques will be available.

Please think about it. Let’s make Fifth Street Park even more special than it already is by making it green and shady.

Thank you.

Ann Lloyd

Carrollton