Jo Gabhart loves the park, trees and nature. She describes the parks as her church, where she goes to reenergize. During her years in Louisville, the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks have become an important part of Gabhart’s life. She spends her days in Seneca Park walking her dogs and enjoying the scenery. Her close connection to the park led her to the discovery of our Memorial Tree Program. After learning about the program, Gabhart decided she would like to have a memorial tree planted to celebrate her life when she passes, but then she decided she didn’t want to wait.
On Tuesday, April 3, we planted a White Oak tree for Gabhart in Seneca Park. “I decided to plant the tree while I was alive so I could enjoy it and watch it grow. I would live in the park if I could, so this is the next best thing.” The tree was planted in an area that Gabhart refers to as “Angel Hill”. This location is especially meaningful to Gabhart because it is where she came to seek comfort after losing her daughter-in-law Angel. She decided to plant a White Oak because of their extended life span, so generations to come can visit her in the park. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”
To find out how you can plant a memorial tree in memory of yourself or a loved one, please call 456-8125
Jo Gabhart Tree Planting, a set on Flickr
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