OAKLAND, FL — Making the most of recent rain and in keeping with its mission as a Tree City USA, the Town of Oakland planted more than 30 trees last week. Public Works staff planted 10 trees at Speer Park, eight along West Oakland Avenue and 15 trees near the Town’s new lift station.

The Speer Park planting is part of an ongoing initiative to reinvigorate the property, which will include new sidewalks, playgrounds, sport courts and a pavilion. 

The Oakland Avenue work helped to spruce up a location that needed some extra TLC. “This area was previously overgrown with weeds and a few invasive trees, which were removed as a part of the recently completed sewer project,” said Public Works Director Mike Parker.

Staff installed 15 Red Cedar trees as a buffering around Lift Station #4. This important public facility is located adjacent to the Longleaf neighborhood and immediately west of Pollard Park.

For the 17th year, Oakland was named a Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Oakland achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The town far exceeds these standards and also requires developers to replace trees during construction.