Brackenridge seeks volunteers for tree planting at borough park

Trees are returning to Brackenridge Memorial Park, much to the relief of many residents who balked at their removal.

The borough is seeking volunteers to help with planting up to 31 small to mid-size trees during an event at noon Nov. 19.

They will replace several trees that were torn out to make way for the borough’s 1-mile section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Councilman Dino Lopreiato said the flowering trees will sit about 10 feet off the trail and 15 feet apart. Varieties include Eastern redbud, serviceberry, plum, yellowwood, American hornbeam, thornless hawthorn and crabapple.

“They won’t be anything too intrusive,” he said.

Volunteers should meet at the pavilion. ATI is expected to partner in the event and provide manpower.

Opened in July, the trail stretches 1 mile along First Avenue, from ATI at Mile Lock Lane to near Dreshar Stadium at the Tarentum line. It is part of the larger, 35-mile Heritage Trail managed by Friends of the Riverfront.

Council this week voted to apply for a $50,000 grant to install a split-rail fence along the lower half of the trail. Councilman Larry Chifulini opposed the move, saying the split-rail fence on the other end of the trail is covered with vegetation.

If approved, the grant will also pay for a small pavilion at the borough property along Stieren Avenue that is scheduled to become an orchard.