Thoughts of warm weather seemed distant on a cold November morning, but Chillicothe Parks and Recreation employees were at work early today (Wednesday) to help ensure a bit of spring color. The parks department received 12 trees on Tuesday, courtesy of the Browning Foundation, to be planted at Simpson Park. Eight redbud trees are being planted on the east side of the playground to create a line of color between the playground and the highway, according to parks director Ed Crawford.

In addition to the redbuds, the department received three swamp white oak trees and a clumped sunset maple. These 12 trees are larger than most new trees which the department plants with trunks being 2 inches in diameter. More trees, also to be provided by the Browning Foundation, are expected to be planted in March or April. Crawford noted that the redbud trees are approved trees in accordance with the tree ordinance in that they are being planted in the vicinity of power lines.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley