Residents, students and first responders plant trees to honor public safety service

APRIL 26, 2012 – After a week of work that brought community volunteers, police officers, firefighters and City park staffers together to plant 150 trees, the Grove of Gratitude at Riverside Park, 700 N. 1400 West, will be formally dedicated on Friday, April 27, at 10 a.m.

The grove was planted as a remembrance and recognition for past, current and future public safety officers in service to the residents of Salt Lake City.

“This grove will become a living symbol of community gratitude for our first responders, who embody the values of honor, service, courage and sacrifice,” said Salt Lake City Urban Forester Bill Rutherford, who created the Arbor Day project. “I’m excited for the community to see these trees grow in the coming years — their strong branches reaching skyward, their canopies offering shade and a peaceful place to reflect upon the things for which we are grateful.”

Members of Salt Lake City’s YouthCity program, West High Women’s Lacrosse, Neil’s Pro Baseball Little League Team, Salt Lake City Police Department Volunteer Corps and Explorers, Salt Lake City Parks, Mayor Ralph Becker’s Office, Service in the City volunteers and Salt Lake City Police and Fire began planting the trees Monday, culminating in Friday’s special event.

The public is invited to attend and learn more about the Grove, its meaning and how residents can be stewards of this new community resource.

WHAT:
Grove of Gratitude Dedication

WHEN:
Friday, April 27
10 a.m.

WHERE:
Riverside Park, just west of the tennis courts
700 N. 1400 West
Salt Lake City

WHO:
Salt Lake City Councilman Carlton Christensen
Salt Lake City Urban Forester Bill Rutherford
SLCFD Chief Kurt Cook
SLCPD Deputy Chief Lee Dobrowolski
Tracy Aviary Golden Eagle Nizhoni
West High School Singers

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