Honoring Fallen Heroes

TreesCharlotte plants 66 trees in the CMPD Memorial Garden

On Friday, Oct. 6, TreesCharlotte partnered with NASCAR Green, the Arbor Day Foundation and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation to plant 66 15-gallon hardwood trees in the CMPD Memorial Garden at Nevin Park in north Charlotte off Statesville Road. The event was sponsored by NASCAR Green, the Arbor Day Foundation and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.

Each tree planted represents one fallen first responder. A plaque at the base of each tree noted the name of the individual honored by that tree.

More than 50 NASCAR Green employees and their families were on hand to plant the trees. The organization has partnered with organizations like TreesCharlotte and the Arbor Day Foundation to plant nearly 500,000 trees across the country.

“TreesCharlotte is doing a good thing for the community,” says CMPD Deputy Chief Johnny Jennings. “They’re improving the tree canopy and quality of life. I thought it was a fantastic partnership to plant trees and help them toward their goals and honor the police department and fallen officers.”

The NC Wildlife Federation was on hand to provide children’s activities and CupLux Coffee offered volunteers delicious, hand-crafted coffee.

“I encourage people to go out and visit and take some time to appreciate what is out there,” said Jennings. “If you take the time to read what’s on the plaques, it will give you an appreciation for what we do in law enforcement.”

The CMPD Memorial at Nevin Park is located at 6000 Statesville Road in Charlotte. The 197-acre community park includes three playgrounds, a sprayground, baseball and soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course and picnic shelters.
For more information, visit www.parkandrec.com.