Committee approves planting two trees at Brickett Elementary under Gateway City program

The school committee approved a request on Sept. 11 to plant two trees inside the Brickett Elementary School fence through the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Gateway City urban canopy program.

Bricket (transcript alternately referenced as Birkett/Bridget in remarks) Principal Shirley Albert Benedict outlined the plan: two trees would be placed inside the schoolyard at the corners of Byer & Lewis and Autumn & Lewis to improve shade and aesthetics without reducing play space. The project requires Department of Public Works help to cut holes in the asphalt for planting.

Why it matters: Principal Benedict said the trees will provide shade in summer months, improve the school’s frontage, and deliver environmental benefits in a densely populated neighborhood. The Brickett Community Neighborhood Group and the school PTO offered to help water and maintain the plantings until they become established.

Discussion vs. decision - Discussion: Committee members asked about maintenance and sustainability; principal Benedict and the PTO president, Amy Butterworth, confirmed neighborhood volunteers and the PTO would water and maintain the trees until established. - Direction: DPW will be asked to schedule insertion points in asphalt for planting. - Formal action: The buildings and grounds subcommittee moved the request to the full committee and the full committee approved the plantings by roll call.

What’s next: DPW and school staff will coordinate logistics and planting times with the DCR program and community volunteers.

(Article compiled from the Sept. 11 buildings and grounds subcommittee meeting.)