Bellmead plants first seven memorial trees under new parks memorial program

Bellmead’s new parks memorial program has taken shape: Parks and Recreation staff reported that seven live oak trees were planted during the first two weeks of December 2024 as part of the initiative.

Corey, Parks and Recreation staff, told the board six of the trees were planted at Lions Park and the Civic Center grounds and one at Dvorsky Park. The program allows donors to memorialize loved ones through trees, benches or rose bushes; staff said the initial trees were funded by donations made in lieu of flowers to honor "Jo Bass Campbell," described in the packet as the person being commemorated.

The nut graf: The program combines public memorials with urban forestry goals; staff described measures taken to support tree establishment and said a formal dedication ceremony is being scheduled.

Staff described the planting protocol: trees were planted with root stimulator, mulched in a circle, braced against wind and are being watered biweekly. Parks staff reported donor-funded metal memorial markers will accompany each tree to note the dedication and donors. Staff said they are coordinating a ceremony for the Campbell family and donors, to be scheduled either in spring or in November (staff noted November would be near the honoree’s birthday).

Board members asked about an existing marker at the Dvorsky Park site; staff said the marker predated the new tree and explained the new tree was planted near that existing marker. One member noted the previous tree at that location had died and been removed.

Staff said the parks memorial program materials in the meeting packet list options (tree, rose bush, bench) and that the city will continue to accept memorial donations for future installations. No costs per memorial were presented at the meeting; staff referred attendees to the packet for program options.