LAKEPORT >> As part of Lakeport City Council’s Downtown Project to improve shade and city beautification, the installation of 34 trees between First Street and Fourth Street was successful. But the work does not end there. The City will be installing dedication plaques as part of the Lakeport Main Street Association’s Memorial Street Tree Program.
According to Main Street Association’s Executive Director Panette Talia, the Association is “looking for 34 people to adopt one of the 34 trees that were recently installed and they will receive a plaque.” The program provides the opportunity to donate a tree in honor or memory of a loved one.
Those interested in adding a plaque with their adopted tree will have the option of putting on their plaques, “In honor of” or “In memory of.” The cost of both one memorial tree and its plaque runs at $600.
An official announcement about the Program will be given by Main Street Association during the Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 27 on Main Street, beginning at 11 a.m. During the event, the Association will hand out flyers that include both an order form and more information about the Memorial Tree Program. The Association asks to make checks payable to them when filling out the form.
Though there are only 34 trees available, City of Lakeport’s Community Development Director Kevin Ingram said there are more opportunities available.
“If it’s something that receives a high demand, we have trees that we put along Third Street and along Park Street where we can extend the dedications if the rest of the trees are taken,” he said.
The City is working on many aspects of their Downtown Project, despite some challenges in the recent years. The original downtown improvement project was set to start from Martin Street to Sixth Street, but after losing their redevelopment agency, lack of funds forced the project to reduce its zone size.
“We lost our redevelopment agency that was our major funding mechanism,” Ingram said. “We don’t have anything in the works yet, but over time it would be our intent to continue to improve those areas. It will just be done a little bit slower, but still on our list.”
In addition to the Memorial Street Program and the Memorial Lightpost Program, Ingram also mentioned the possibilities of moving forward with a street furniture dedication program. Several businesses have shown interest in the idea, and there is furniture that has already been approved.
City Manager Margaret Silveira said if the City continues to explore ideas such as the street furniture dedication program, they would like to “work with organizations and nonprofits like the Lakeport Rotary and Early Lake Lions.”
For additional project information, you may contact Lakeport Main Street Association at 707-263-8843 or at info@lakeportmainstreet.com
