It was a busy week of news from and about Burr's Hill Park, the most immediate being the planting on an aboretum on the grounds by a host of volunteers and professionals Saturday, Nov. 15.

Chuck Staton, owner of the eponymous landscaping company in town and chair of Warren's Tree Commission, along with Warren's Tree Warden Matthew Largess, who likewise owns a forestry business, led the effort.

Some 39 saplings of all varieties were planted from the infield of the old baseball diamond into the outfield lining the basketball and tennis courts.

The project was initiated by Town Council President Joseph DePasquale, who first broached the idea earlier this calendar year. DePasquale, with the support of his peers as well as Warren Parks and Recreation Department Director Tara Thibaudeau and others in the community, hashed out the concepts and design over the last several months.

The aim was to provide during the summer months more shade to park visitors, including concert goers at the band shell and the rec's youth programs.

It was eventually decided the baseball diamond was no longer needed because most youngsters from the town play the game on the regulation size field outside of Warren.

All of the trees were donated by the family of the late Bob Avila, in whose honor the arbortem will  be recognized.  The donation's were made by daughters Robin and Tracy from a memorial fund named for their father.

Another highlight of last weekend's planting event was a blessing ceremony performed by members of the Pokanoket Tribe, which considers Burr's Hill to be sacred land.

Dozens of volunteers, upwards of 40 in the end, spent several hours in three separte shifits last Saturday assisting the pros Staton, Largess and their staffs to put the trees into the ground. A few of which were also placed across Water Street from the park at town beach.

"It was absolutely perfect. Thirty-nine trees were planted. the Pokanoket Tribe was very pleased with the results and 100% no cost to the town," said DePasquale. "Staton Landscaping and Largess Forestry Inc. were amazing donating their time, employees and machinery. Robin and Tracy Avila donated all the trees. It was cooperative and successful."

The planting was done under balmy conditions for the middle of November, crisp air and bright sunshine. Later in the evening into the overnight rains soaked the area, which DePasquale called "a gift from the heavens."

(Update/corrected Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9:45 a.m.) Staton, likewise, also said of the planting, "It was a perfect day."

In addition to the donations of the Avilas, he acknowledged the Warren Health Equity Zone group gifted three Golden Weeping Willows that went to the beach. He noted as well a former town resident, Bob Beausileau, donated five smaller potted trees.

Staton, as well, pointed out the contribution of local historian David Weed in providing context to the importance place the park holds for the Pokanokets. In addition, he recognized the amount of volunteers who came from "all walks of life."

Staton concluded, "It was a big success led by Joe De Pausquale."

Weed submitted a link to a photo gallery chronicling the Pokanoket ceremony and other pictures from the event.

Stands remedy

The status of the concrete seating built into the side of Burr's Hill behind the old baseball field has become a concern for town officials.

At the November 12 council meeting, the body put a plan into place to address the situation.

Town Solicitor Anthony DeSisto said his office had been in contact with the Rhode Island Interlocal Trust, seeking input on how to go about the matter.

DeSisto said the trust, the town's insurer, made it known the risk-management of the stands as they are in a dilapidated state, cracking and crumbling, is no longer acceptable.

Warren Department of Public Works Director Brian Wheeler said he is formulating a pair of request for proposals. One to demolish the stands completely. Another to seek estimates on the repair.

At the moment, the expectation is it would cost the town between $55,000-$60,000 to tear down the structure. DPW would assist the project and use the crushed to back fill the existing footings.

For the town to potentially remove and replace the stands it is estimated to cost between $150,000-$250,000. DePasquale submitted, and town Building Inspector Matt Cabral acknowledged, any new stands would have to be rebuilt according to modern codes.

Spruce lighting

DePasquale also provided a brief update on the attempt to once again light the spruce tree at the entrance of Burr's Hill for the upcoming holiday season, another private-sector effort.

Funds were raised to buy new lights for the tree, which was last illuminated some three years ago.

DePasquale remains hopeful the tree will be trimmed and lighted Saturday night, Nov. 29, as part of the annual Warren Holiday Festival taking place that same weekend.