Volunteers spruce up our Tree

Gazette Editorial Board

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Like many Cedar Rapids structures directly in the path of the devastating 2008 flood, the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture and plaza took a big hit. The city's symbol on the riverfront sustained extensive damage, especially to its base.

With so many larger problems and projects pressing the city's time and resources over the last three years, repairing the Tree hasn't ranked high on the priority list, and likely wouldn't any time soon.

No problem. To the rescue comes a private, civic-minded group. Later this month, the Five Seasons Plaza Design Committee expects to begin repairs. The full project is expected to be done by spring.

The committee plans some major upgrades. And no taxpayer money other than about $42,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency toward repairing lighting and electrical damage is involved.

The local committee includes co-chair Gary Anderson, who designed the original Tree of Five Seasons that was unveiled in 1996. The group has raised $326,000 in pledges toward $425,000 goal for repairs, upgrades and, just as important, a $100,000 endowment to cover perpetual maintenance costs. Nearly 100 individuals and businesses have donated.

The plan, developed by OPN Architects, includes refacing the base with granite slabs, new elevated and expanded lighting, a larger plaza floor, elevated flagpoles, a waterfall, landscaping, benches and a donor recognition plaque.

As City Manager Jeff Pomeranz noted, the volunteer effort demonstrates how residents and businesses can take the lead on a project of public interest. It's also a sign of community pride as well as resolve to work effectively with local government - not just complain when something isn't done.

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