Tree Removed from Golf Course is Turned into Work of Art

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2008

For more information contact
[Lee Huss|mailto:hussl@bloomington.in.gov], Urban Forester, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, (812) 349-3716
[Danny Lopez|mailto:lopezd@bloomington.in.gov], Communications Director, City of Bloomington
[Craig Mann|mailto:craig@paradigmfurniture.com], Paradigm Furniture Design Studio, (317) 225-9265

[image:3161,left]Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department's Urban Forestry program is responsible for maintaining more than 18,000 trees along city streets and thousands more in city parks. Occasionally, maintenance includes the removal of dead or dying trees deemed to be hazardous to vehicles, property or passers by. Some of the trees are chipped into mulch to be used in city landscape areas - but some trees are destined for more.

City urban forester Lee Huss noted that some trees being removed from City streets and parks could be turned into useful furniture and other items. After a large cherry tree at Cascades Golf Course blew over in a storm, Huss had it rough sawn into lumber and sent it to Craig Mann of Paradigm Furniture Design Studio in Indianapolis. The result is a beautiful Shaker-style table Mann has donated to the City.

"Lee recognized the possibility that some of Bloomington's street and park trees could be turned into functional furniture for use by the Parks and Recreation Department," Mann said. "It turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone involved."

The table Mann created is roughly 30 inches high, 34 inches wide and 72 inches long. The table currently resides in City Hall at 401 N. Morton St., where the public is welcome and encouraged to view it.

Recycling street and park trees into lumber and furniture is not new to the City. Huss said that for several years, trees that have been removed from city property find second lives as tables, benches, boxes and more.

"Our focus on reusing and recycling urban wood waste is just another measure of the city's commitment to sustainability," Huss said. "Of course, we will continue to plant and care for trees in Bloomington with the high standards required by our Tree City USA designation, and for all the benefits trees provide."

Typically, more than 200 new trees are planted annually along city streets or in city parks. Citizens also can contribute to have a tree planted in a city park in a loved one's honor or memory through the [Bloomington Community Park and Recration Foundation's Bloomington Tree Fund|Street Trees and Landscaping].

Working with fine hardwoods is not new to Paradigm Furniture Design Studio. "We work with our clients to create unique and distinctive pieces of furniture," Mann said. "Each piece is built with attention to detail and craftsmanship so that it will last for a lifetime." He added that Paradigm also offers repair and refinishing services for antiques and other furniture.

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