The city of Glendale planted the seed for “greener” living while engaging elementary school children in environmental lessons during a special Arbor Day event April 25.

Glendale’s Parks and Recreation Department continued its tradition of Arbor Day celebrations and marked the city’s 30th consecutive year of being designated a Tree City USA with an event at O’Neil Park at 64th and Missouri avenues. The department teamed with William C. Jack Elementary School, which brought 100 second-grade students to plant six trees at the park.

The children also received conservation-related lessons from Glendale’s Transportation and Water Services departments, West Coast Arborists, Inc. and Yellowstone Landscape.

“I am thrilled that our great city for the 30th consecutive year is being recognized as Tree City USA,” stated Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers in a press release. “Trees are of great value for our city. They offer clean air, shade, increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. I encourage all citizens to support efforts to plant trees and promote the well-being of present and future generations.”

Ocotillo District Council Member Leandro Baldenegro  and Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Mike Keane spoke about the importance of planting trees and conservation, along with the value of an outdoor education.

“What I am most excited about for the Glendale Arbor Day Event, is being able to help plant trees with the second-graders from one of the schools that I work for in the Glendale Elementary School District,” Baldenegro stated. “I’m looking forward to teaching them the importance of trees so that they can always look back to this day and say with pride, ‘I was a part of the team that helped plant those trees for everyone to enjoy.’”

Keane shared a similar sentiment about the importance of the environmental lessons.

William C. Jack School Principal Kathryn Oczytko also spoke about the importance of the event.

"With O’Neil Park right next to William C. Jack School, our students have the opportunity to develop civic pride and responsibility,” Oczytko stated. “This experience allows them to be part of something lasting and meaningful. As they continue their educational journey at Jack, they will be able to watch the trees they planted grow alongside them."

Trees are important for many reasons, including:

• Helping to absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%
• Keeping neighborhoods seven to nine degrees cooler than those without trees
• Absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the impact of climate change
• Improving mental and physical health

Looking for a park in Glendale to enjoy views of trees and recreational opportunities? Visit Park Finder - City of Glendale