Eleven Willamalane Park and Recreation District employees who have achieved 20 or more years of service with the district have been honored with new trees in parks throughout Springfield. The new trees around Springfield will help rebuild tree canopy from ice storm losses.
Honored employees were invited to help select their tree and choose a location that was meaningful to them. Candice Baker, one of the 11 honored employees, spent many of her 22 years at the district as a lead preschool teacher. After the preschool expansion at Willamalane, Candice was promoted to recreation coordinator, a role in which she’s been an invaluable leader for the preschool team. She chose a Coral Japanese Maple and helped plant it at Meadow Park at 851 Mill Street.
“A tree to represent the many years that I have committed to Willamalane is an awesome idea. I wanted it planted in my neighborhood park where I know lots of families play,” Candice said. “Being involved in early childhood for over 20 years, I have interacted and impacted many families’ lives, and it’s nice to see something in the community to represent that.”…