In 2014, an Italian stone pine in Fremont Park was removed because it had become hazardous. When it was removed, three new trees were planted and a chain saw artist was hired to repurpose portions of the wood. The stump was carved into a chair and the trunk into an imaginative bench.

During holiday tree lighting events, Santa Claus sat in the chair and entertained children. As with most pieces of natural art, time has taken a toll on the woodcarvings. Decomposition of the wood has accelerated over the past year and portions of the whimsical carving have become unrecognizable.

What remains of the woodcarvings is now scheduled to be removed. Reminiscent of Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, the pine tree provided shade and wildlife habitat for nearly 60 years, a place to sit and play, and now the wood will be turned into mulch and spread in the park to nourish the younger trees.