It’s just a tree in a city full of them.
But, like all great trees, the one in City Park symbolizes so much more.
And now, thanks to some hard work on a brutally gusty day, a community effort and a responsive government, it has an even brighter story to tell.
I’m so grateful the lights have returned to the City Park tree!
I wrote about the dark tree last week and, following that post, I had some great conversations.
City Forester Mike Michlig took some time out of his busy day to walk me through the tree’s history and the struggle to light it this year,
Apparently several strings had burnt out bulbs, the star went missing and the forestry department, which has been battling an emerald ash borer invasion, did not have the resources to replace the lights themselves.
Obviously, a forestry department should prioritize saving trees over decorating them. That emerald ash borer leaves a sad and devastated population in its wake.
So, after that conversation, I didn’t think we would see lights on the tree this year. But, I was hopeful that we could organize something for next year.
I contacted Carol Killian, who is the Northside Business Association President, to see if that very active organization would consider contributing to the cause next year.
“That is definitely something we could do,” she said. “We are looking for ideas just like that. It’s too late for this year, but I would be happy to find out what it takes to participate in years to come.”
I love that I live in a see-a-problem, solve-a-problem community.
And then, Monday afternoon, my friend Lindsay tagged me in a comment on a joint post by the Appleton Park and Recreation Department and the City of Appleton Government.
It turns out Santa had an early Christmas present for us all. He showed up with the Department of Public Works to deliver lights to the City Park Tree. Of course, I popped down to see them as soon I could.
On one of the coldest and windiest days of the year, those lights looked warm and beautiful.
I like to think each one stands for a resident of this area. Strung on that gorgeous tree, they take all our goodwill and earnest desires to help each other out, magnify them and send them back out into a world that desperately needs some reassurance.
As we approach the longest night of the year, it’s nice to have a beautiful Christmas tree lighting the way.
Thank you to the City of Appleton, the Department of Public Works and every resident who rallied to see the lights put back on the City Park Christmas Tree.
It’s really beautiful.