Davis prides itself on having a neighborhood park within walking distance of each residential development. Neighbors gather at these parks to play, visit and to share stories of past and present. There are numerous memorial benches, gardens and trees scattered throughout the parks dedicated to such neighbors and friends.
At North Davis Park (Pond) there is a very special tree planted with the assistance and approval of Tree Davis and the city, and dedicated to our neighbor, John Marco Henderson. He is the young boy killed in a tragic skiing accident two years ago. Neighbors gather at this tree regularly; some just walk over to it to spend a little time pondering life — his and their own. This tree has blossomed into a special place for all who travel past it.
Recently, the wooden stakes placed to protect the tree as it grows have been removed. The stakes had been signed by many of the children and adults during the celebration of Little John John’s life at the first anniversary of his loss.

Since that time, the city has removed two of the memorials; neither had any religious or racial/ethnic symbols. They were simply a place to remember him and other loved ones who have left our lives too soon.
It was brought to my attention that these remembrances were removed by city personnel because one person complained about them. The tree is on city property; should no one be allowed to have a personal touch without city permission?

I understand what is done for one needs to be done for all, yet it is very difficult to understand how one voice can cause the removal of a neighborhood’s memories.

Is that the way Davis neighbors truly feel about these small, well-kept memorials? Is there a way for City Council and city staff to allow a petition that could be signed by the neighbors to allow such memorials? The neighbors could “adopt” the memorial with the understanding that maintenance and upkeep would be their responsibility.

Jerry and Sherelene Harrison

Davis

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