MANSFIELD — Mayor Jodie Perry is pleased to announce the City of Mansfield’s Annual Arbor Day celebration which will also commemorate the city’s recognition by the National Arbor Day Foundation as being a “Tree City USA” for the 30th consecutive year.
To receive this award, a community and its Shade Tree Commission must demonstrate a commitment to implementing a sound urban forestry policy.
The City of Mansfield Shade Tree Commission has chosen to celebrate our 30 years of being designated as a Tree City USA with a very special Arbor Day Celebration in Central Park in downtown Mansfield.
Central Park and the Gazebo in downtown Mansfield represent the heart of the downtown area. The park has long been a location for events, festivals, a pleasant place to eat lunch, visit with friends and is a beautiful greenspace.
“Five years ago the Shade Tree Commission recognized many of the trees in Central Park had age to them and in the future would require replacements,” Shade Tree Commission Chair, Josh Maurer said. “We developed a plan and have planted 19 trees to assure when the dead/dying trees had to be removed, there would be trees already established, thereby assuring we have a tree canopy in our Central Park.
“One of the criteria in being a Tree City USA is to not just plant trees but develop plans to assure our urban forest remains intact. We could not think of any better location to commemorate 30 years of being a Tree City USA, then the heart of our city and the central business district.
“We all know the transformation which is occurring downtown, and we believe this represents some of the symbolic lessons trees provide us, such as the new growth and transformation from a small seedling to a beautiful canopy.”
Mayor Perry added, “Central Park is a beloved gathering spot for our community. The planting will help us keep it that way for generations to come.”
The City of Mansfield Shade Tree Commission will be planting a platanus occidentalis tree (Sycamore tree / London Plane) at Central Park on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The tree was generously donated by Alta Florist & Greenhouse for this special event.
Mayor Perry invites the community to join the Commission by celebrating Arbor Day 2025 with a tree planting at your home or place of business. For more information, call Kim Hildreth at 419-755-9702.