Comanche Trail Park got a new addition this past week, as Keep Big Spring Beautiful teamed up with the city of Big Spring's Memorial Tree program to add a tree to the new Dana Duncan portion of the park.

 

Set just to the right of the historical spring's observation deck, Big Spring City Councilwoman Gloria McDonald said the new designation in the park has a very personal meaning for her and her family.

“In 2006 the mayor asked the city council if it would agree to name an area of the park after Dana Duncan — my son — following his death,” said McDonald. “The council agreed unanimously. At the discretion of the city crews, we picked this area (near the spring) because we're not going to make a lot of modifications, just plant some more trees and put in some benches. It's just for the pleasure of the people to sit and watch. We're not planning any kind of shelter or anything like that.”

The tree planted was provided through the city's Memorial Tree program, which allows area residents to purchase a tree to be placed in one of the local parks in honor of a loved one.

“This was made possible by Keep Big Spring Beautiful,” said McDonald. “I simply can't stress enough how much of a role they have played in all of this. We're planting this first tree in honor of arbor day, and they have just been so instrumental in all of this.”

McDonald said the type of tree planted should flourish at its current location.

“This tree is an Arizona ash. It's a very fast growing tree,” said McDonald. “After the first year of watering, it's pretty much self sustaining. Out here in the park, we have sprinklers in all the places we plan to plant trees. The tree memorial program doesn't put any trees where there isn't already a source of water. We don't want to have to rely on watering by hand or with a hose.

“There will be two more trees planted in this back area after this tree and the one Wal-Mart is planning to plant are in. We're also going to add two more benches. It's going to be a very nice, shady area where people can sit and watch the spring.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at  HYPERLINK "mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it " This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .