Redwood Tree to Remain in Magnolia Park During Renovation

Photo Credit: Saving the Redwood Tree During Magnolia Renovations Change.Org Petition

ARLINGTON, MA—Magnolia Park's renovation will move forward without the removal of the dawn redwood tree in Magnolia Park, after many residents voiced concerns against the tree's removal.

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved the plans for the renovation of the park, except for the expansion of the community garden. The garden expansion would require the removal of the dawn redwood, which sits on the edge of the garden.

Park and Recreation commission chairwoman Jennifer Rothenberg told Patch that it is unlikely that the community garden could be expanded without the removal of the tree.

"We're not out to cut trees down, but we're responsible for 27 parks and playgrounds in Arlington," Rothenberg told Patch."We have to make sure we have variation and parks that work for the community as a whole."

A petition to Rothenberg and former Recreation Department director Joseph Connelly to save the Magnolia Tree had 460 supporters, according to Change.org.

However, Rothenberg said that the commission has been directed towards a need for more community gardens in Arlington's parks. Rothenberg also told Patch that the commission is considering all of its options for the expansion of the community garden, and will weigh its options as to whether or not it will bring the tree removal back to the Conservation Commission.

"We were told there was a need for more community gardens," said Rothenberg. "If we are going to expand the garden the tree is going to have to come down."