OPC
Originally thought to be almost two centuries old based on its height, the fallen oak’s rings prove it to be about 80 years old.
The all-dog side of Overton Bark dog park, which had to close in late May after the Memorial Day weekend storm left an 80-year-old oak tree on its side there, will soon reopen, the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC) reported Monday.
As the City’s Public Works crews conclude their citywide clean up of debris left from the storm, park conservancy officials say crews have had more time to make progress clearing the dog park of the large limbs left by the oak.
Additionally, the massive tree managed to damage two fences around this section of the dog park that are set to be replaced this week.
Then, all that is left before the section can reopen, officials say is to prune dead leaves, fill the hole left by the tree, and add a new layer of mulch, all of which the conservancy will receive assistance with from Memphis Dream Center on Thursday.
Officials say the clean up cost for the single tree was around $7,000, for which the OPC is accepting donations to defer here. Additionally, some of the limbs from the fallen tree will be used to carve benches, which will be available for sponsorship.
The OPC has not yet set an exact re-opening date.
