Date: Fri 23-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Dickinson-Park-trees-Moffat

Full Text:

A Tree Falls In An Empty Park

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

A giant pine tree fell at Dickinson Park earlier this month, crushing a large

section of the park's 30-year-old tennis court fencing. The 85-foot tree hit

the fence just a few yards from a playground.

Fortunately, the January 2 incident happened in the winter and not during the

peak summer season, when children and tennis players are plentiful at the

park.

Park Maintenance Supervisor Ron Moffat is concerned, however, that one of

those trees might someday fall on a warm summer day. He has raised the issue

with the Parks & Recreation Commission.

Chairman Larry Haskel said the town needs to hire a tree expert to determine

the fate of the dozen or so trees that line the back of courts one, two and

three. He has asked the first selectman for funds to have some of the trees

taken down.

As more and more fall, the ground becomes less resistant, opening the way for

even more trees to fall, Mr Moffat said.

John Mead, the town's tree warden, believes some of the trees may eventually

have to be removed.

"They're gorgeous, but they are very dangerous," Mr Haskel said.

The town recently acquired a 13-acre parcel of land adjacent to Dickinson

Park, which it hopes will someday be converted into ball fields. Mr Haskel

believes the area where the trees now stand would be a suitable location for a

parking lot.

A study to determine the best use of the new park property is still pending.