The project of upgrading the tree population at Houston’s Emmett Kelly Park was finalized Monday morning with the transfer of grant funding from the Missouri Department of Conservation to the City of Houston.
In a short ceremony at the park, MDC Texas County resource forester Travis Mills presented a check to the city for $6,576. The funds came from a Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant secured with the help of city Director of Development Elaine Campbell and made possible through a cost-share program administered by the MDC in cooperation with the Missouri Community Forest Council.
Mills said carrying out the project in conjunction with the city went smoothly, and its completion represented more than just an improvement to the park’s landscaping.
“I think most people strive to leave a legacy, whether it be related to work, family or their children or grandchildren,” he said. “Those are all great things to strive for, and I hope everybody understands we’ve truly left a legacy right here that will remain for generations of people to enjoy.
“It feels good, and it was a great project.”
City of Houston representative Joe Kirkman said teaming up with the MDC made the job easier.
“It worked great,” Kirkman said. “We worked together really well, and they were a great help. Everybody who worked on this job is pretty proud of what we did.”