Highland Park Gets New Trees

As part of a bond measure approved by Martinez voters in 2008, the city is presently in the process of upgrading its parks and recreation faciliites. The new Rankin Park Aquatic Center and Martinez Library renovation were the two primary projects funded by the bond. But the money will also provide all city parks with an upgrade.

That includes the tiny Highland Park, on Highland Drive. This small park, which borders the Shell Refinery, was donated to the city by Shell years ago. The 17 Eucalyptus trees that were originally planted there grew very large and, once they got diseased, threatened homes, cars and residents. 

The trees were removed, but not without some mishaps. One tree fell in the wrong direction and smashed a fence and park bench. The wood chipper that crews brought along got loose and took out a garage on a nearby home. 

But this year, city crews used the bond money to plant new evergreens at Highland Park. It will take a little time for the trees to mature and provide the kind of shelter and shade that the old ones did, but one they do, they should provide years of shade and beauty to a tiny gem of a park. 

Have you been to Highland Park?