The City of Newark’s Parks and Recreation Department proposed a two‑tree alternative for this year’s Winterfest after the University of Delaware adopted a policy limiting displays on university property to 24 hours.

Paula Ennis, director of Parks and Recreation, told council staff found two viable trees during recent shopping: a 20‑foot tree intended to be installed in front of City Hall and a 12‑foot tree that would be used at Winterfest on Dec. 5 and then relocated the following Monday to a city location such as the George Rolson Center or McDonald's Island.

Ennis said the 20‑foot tree could be lit prior to the council meeting on Dec. 8 or as part of the Winterfest program on Dec. 5. "We have stage pieces already there as part of the event for the dancing and singing," she said, describing how the smaller tree would sit on a stage and be moved after the event. Staff said adding a second tree is less expensive than the single larger tree originally planned, but would require purchasing an additional stand, new lighting and decorations.

Council members asked about methods to make the smaller Winterfest tree more visually prominent on Main Street, suggesting added lighting and a topper; Ennis confirmed staff would add a topper and could increase stage and accent lighting. Councilman Walmart recommended extra lighting and decorations to give the smaller tree more presence to visitors who may not be familiar with the change.

Council discussed a longer‑term idea to "suspend" a tree from the siren tower near Academy Street so it could be raised and lit in a visible, ceremonial “tree raising.” Council members suggested exploring that option for next year, since suspending a live tree presents additional logistic questions and might require more planning.

Council asked parks staff to coordinate logistics with the reindeer run and other events on the same evening; staff said they would review constraints and report back. Council also discussed convening a planning meeting on Nov. 5 to consider this and other event logistics.

No formal vote was required; council provided general support and directed staff to proceed with planning and logistics work for this year and to explore more ambitious display options for future events.