By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH, Ind. – The Dave Rich Memorial Park will receive a new tree, thanks in part to the Wabash Fraternal Order of Police.
The Wabash Park Board on Wednesday, Dec. 13, approved removing the tree that is in the center of the park, and replacing it with a smaller, more manageable tree.
The idea for the change was broached with Park Superintendent Adam Hall by FOP members. Before the park board gave the green light for the work, it wanted to know if the Ford family had any objections to the removal. The late Richard Ford originally donated the tree to the site.
FOP member Ryan Baker, appearing before the park board, told members that he spoke with Dan Ford, who indicated the family had no objections to the removal.
“The tree has become overgrown and there’s some pretty large gaps in the bottom of it,” Baker told the board, explaining the reason for wanting it removed.
Matt Benson is willing to remove the tree, Baker told the board. Once removed, it will be replaced by a 7-foot personas spruce tree, which will grow to approximately 25 feet and about 12 feet in diameter.
Once the tree is removed, crews from Joe Dirt Landscaping will grind down the stump and plant the new tree, Baker said.
Baker said he wasn’t sure when the work might take place.
“We’re hoping it will be a pretty short term,” he said. “If you know Matt Benson, once he decides he wants to do something, he’s ready to go. I think he’s ready to go, whenever you give the approval.
“I think he’d cut it down and maybe have Joe Dirt’s landscaping crew in that day to grind out the stump and plant the new tree. I would say it would be a pretty minimal amount of time.”
If it looks like the work may take an extensive amount of time, Baker said, it will probably be delayed until after the holidays.
Board members also asked if Rich’s widow and children were aware of the plans. Baker said they were.
Rich, a detective sergeant with the Indiana State Police, was shot and killed while helping a stranded motorist in July 2007. The park, located at the intersection of Wabash Street, Stitt Street and Manchester Avenue, was dedicated in his honor later that year.