Small Town News

Trees witness 71 years of park maturity

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The skyline of the Condon City Park changed drastically last week when the crew of Kelsy Garton Tree Service of Pendleton felled two of the park's oldest and biggest trees. The large poplar at the southeast edge of the park was beginning to damage the sidewalk and water lines, and the white fir on the north lip of the grotto had been unhealthy for several years. The photo shows the last of the three spires of the fir tree being toppled by Tyrel Scott. Globe-Times accounts of the development of the city park indicate that the park was shepherded through the Oregon Department of Transportation funding process by then State Legislator Ernie Fatland, who died in 1980. The funding process began in early spring 1937 and the park was completed in November that year, except for the plantings. In April 1938, over 1,000 shrubs of numerous varieties and about 20 trees were planted. Originally, the park was referred to as the Summit Springs Park, or simply Summit Park. The poplar tree that was removed had a diameter of approximately 48 inches, and the fir tree was approximately 100 feet tall. The trees that were removed were presumed to be two of the original trees planted in the park 71 years ago.



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© 2009 The Times-Journal Condon, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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