City Staff Plant Tree in Honor of Mayor Dave Hutchinson

Planting Mayor Dave's tree
Photo courtesy City of LFP

What do you get as a parting gift for someone who has been your boss for 16 years? The staff of Lake Forest Park struggled with that question when Mayor David Hutchinson announced his retirement and came to the end of his final term in office last year. Employees of the City wanted to honor "Mayor Dave" with a farewell gift that would reflect his accomplishments in office and contributions to the City.

During Mayor Hutchinson's administration the City was recognized nine years in a row as a Tree City USA. It also adopted its first tree ordinance and in 2010 adopted an update to the ordinance that makes LFP one of the first cities in the country to use tree canopy as a basis to protect and enhance the community forest. A tree planted in the City seemed to be the best way to honor Mayor Dave and thank him for his leadership.

On Wednesday, March 28, 2012, Mayor Mary Jane Goss, City Hall staff, and citizens gathered in Blue Heron Park to plant a western red cedar in honor of Mayor Dave. The type of tree and the location of the tree were selected with the help of city arborist, Mike Woodbury, to ensure that the tree will grow well and enhance the City's tree forest for years to come.