Tree Grove Grows From Community Donations

Eight Crepe Myrtle trees Watsonville Rotary Club donated for a grove at were dedicated in a ceremony with city leaders and Rotarians on Wednesday afternoon.

The trees edge a walkway that leads from Vista Montana Drive and the neighborhood into the kids' playground area at the expansive park.

"It really enhances the park," Watsonville City Councilman Lowell Hurst said.

The tress will bloom with vivid lavender flowers. Though the trees are just saplings, they should grow several feet a year, according to Ana Espinoza, director of the city Parks and Community Services Department.

"It's going to be nice to have color," said City Councilwoman Nancy Bilicich. She represents District 7, including Franich Park.

Donations came from Rotary Club members:

• Kathy and Ed Banks
• Georgeanne Cowles – Watsonville Women of Rotary
• Steve Dufour-Kulick-Jurach & Bear Family
• Rocky and Judy Franich
• Steve Henderson Family
• Henry Alton Hyde Family
• Monte Lewis
• Ralph Miljanich Family

The donations were made to the city's Commorative Tree and Bench Program, which aims to beautiful city parks. Planting more trees in Watsonville has been a priority for the city Parks and Recreation Commission through the , which was approved in April.