SHADE STRUCTURES FOR PLAYGROUND, TREE-PLANTING EVENT PLANNED
Simpsonville, S.C. — Portions of Gracely Park will be closed the week of May 11 due to the removal of seven trees that pose a safety risk to the public.
Removal of the dying trees is of extreme importance, since six trees are on the playground, creating a dangerous hazard to families and children, while the seventh tree is between the basketball court and restrooms.
All seven trees are in decline and showing signs of disease and insect damage. Deterioration compromises the structural integrity, risking limbs breaking, trunks splitting, or trees falling entirely with the possibility for serious injury or death. The potential structural failure of trees makes high-use areas under and around them unsafe for park-goers, especially children.
“The decision to remove the trees simply comes down to safety,” City spokesperson Justin Campbell said. “We do not want the playground in Gracely Park to become a danger zone—we want the playground to continue to be a community space for families and their children to enjoy now and in the future.”
For the contractor to safely complete the work, a perimeter around the tree near the basketball court and trees on the playground will be set up to close off portions of the park starting May 11. While Gracely Park will not be closed to the public, the areas inside the perimeters, including the playground, will be closed for a short duration.
In conjunction with removal of the trees, the City is planning improvements to restore shade on the playground and enhance the park experience. City staff is evaluating shade structures for installation on the playground to provide consistent shade coverage for families and their children at play.
As a sign of the City of Simpsonville’s commitment to not just the replacement of trees in the canopy but also the addition of trees, the City is organizing a community tree-planting event in the fall. Members of the public and City staff will partner together to plant new trees and reinvest in the park’s long-term health.
Further information on the shade structures and tree-planting event will be provided as plans are finalized. Visit simpsonville.com and @DiscoverSimpsonville on Facebook for updates.
Contact: Justin Campbell at jcampbell@simpsonville.com