A senseless act of vandalism has been trumped by the generosity of a local retailer and a group of goodhearted teenagers. On August 14th, youth members of the ROCKSOLID Community Teen Center spent a sunny summer day planting 20 trees donated by the Hazel Dell Walmart at Battle Ground’s Kiwanis Park.
It was just 2 months ago that vandals damaged several trees in and around Kiwanis Park, many so badly that they were destroyed. Within days, the City received a call from Walmart in Hazel Dell, offering to donate trees. Shortly thereafter, ROCKSOLID Community Teen Center contacted the City to offer community service work. With the trees and a work force in place, City staff coordinated the replacement of the damaged trees. The entire north side of the park, along SW 4th Street, now features a beautiful row of young Flowering Bradford Pear trees.
“Walmart’s donation and ROCKSOLID’s commitment made it possible to replace the trees,” noted City Manager John Williams, “Kiwanis Park is enjoyed by many; we are grateful to be able to maintain its beauty and value to the community.”