Garry oak: Tree is worth parking spaces

Published 3:00 pm Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Thank you to all those who fought behind the scenes to save the grand old Garry oak tree by the Oak Harbor Post Office. I especially thank Oak Harbor City Council members Crider, Brewer, Karahalios and Paggao who voted at the last minute to give the tree a chance.

The thought of that tree being replaced by a carved stump brings tears to my eyes. I, for one, would be more than happy to donate time, sweat and even swing a sledge hammer and pick to rip up some pavement on Arbor Day to save this old friend. I can’t imagine there isn’t a small army of individuals and businesses who wouldn’t volunteer their time and efforts to save this old tree.

This tree has looked out over the Oak Harbor waterfront long before any of us were born, and if given a chance, I personally think it could outlive any of us and our children. Certainly, this city can afford to lose a couple of parking spaces and even a short bit of City Beach road to save this old friend. We should make a pocket park around this living tree, instead of an ornate stump.

Benjamin T. Hu, MD

Coupeville