Bicentennial Update: City to Commemorate Heritage on Arbor Day

Arbor Day has arrived, and for 2012, city officials are planning a bit of a dual celebration on Friday afternoon.  

Each Arbor Day, a tree is planted to celebrate an aspect of the Falls community, and given the bicentennial, many thought it appropriate to honor the city’s heritage with the planting of a maple tree at , according to Valerie Wax Carr, the city’s public service director.

The maple will mark the beginning of a Cuyahoga Falls bicentennial arboretum, in which 200 trees and shrubs will be planted over the next 10 years in the park.

To engage the community, residents can arrange for trees to be planted in honor of a person or special event, according to local parks and recreation volunteer Roe York. The Falls Public Service Department will have a list of trees to choose from along with pricing information.

“For centuries, the tree has been recognized as the symbol of life in many cultures and I think that is an important message to convey on Arbor Day,” said York. “...If you cannot make it to the celebration, then go out in your yard and take note of your trees, or take a walk in your neighborhood and enjoy the many varieties of trees there are.” 

Additionally, the fourth grade classes of each elementary School in the city were asked to participate in the “Celebrating our River Heritage: Canals and Dams" to recognize the founding of the Falls. Prizes will be handed out to winners in each school at Friday’s celebration.

The Arbor Day program kicks off at 3 p.m. at Kennedy Park and participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

For more information on the Arbor Day celebration, please call the Office of the Service Director at 330-971-8240.