BALMVILLE – The Balmville
Citizens Association is developing a park around what is left of the 316-year-old
Balmville Tree that sprouted around the time George Washington was in
Newburgh.
Even while the park is being developed, members of the association are
questioning if it was cut down to a portion of its trunk prematurely.
State and Town of Newburgh officials decided to have the tree cut down
after a large limb cracked and drooped perilously close to Balmville Road.
The metal cables installed 18 years ago at the expense of the local residents,
could no longer hold the tree up, the government inspectors said.
Association member Emoke de Papp Severo said the tree is not dead; there
are, in fact, sprouts growing out of the top of what is left of the trunk.
A new park around the tree, called the Balmville Tree Restoration Park,
has phase one completed. The park has the beginnings of a garden containing
121 wild flower plants. A gravel path has been installed with pavers to
come in Spring.
On Sunday, October 25, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the gate to the park
will be open with cider an donuts being served rain or shine.
