On Saturday, neighbors and grieving families turned a corner of Swainson’s Hawk Park in Natomas into a small forest of remembrance, planting 41 young trees as a living memorial for people killed by violence. What is currently a quiet stretch of neighborhood parkland is now a budding grove meant for reflection, a place where loved ones say they hope memories will take root alongside the saplings, according to KCRA.
The group put 41 trees in the ground in what participants described as a deeply emotional act of outreach, not just another weekend park project, as reported by KCRA. Volunteers and staff from the District 1 council office helped assemble and guide the crews that dug, planted, and staked each tree.
Swainson’s Hawk Park, listed at 150 Lentini Way by the City of Sacramento, served as the backdrop for the event. The Natomas Chamber of Commerce promoted the “D1 Tree Planting” on its calendar, noting the gathering time as 10 a.m. to noon and inviting volunteers to “join Team Kaplan.”
Turning grief into a living tribute
For families who have lost loved ones, the planting was a way to turn private grief into shared remembrance and support. “Why not make this a beautiful memorial tribute, a living tribute,” Deborah Grimes said, and Anita Razo described herself and Grimes as “sisters” after both of their sons were killed, according to KCRA. Councilmember Lisa Kaplan told those gathered that the trees are meant to stand as a source of hope for families who have endured tragedy…