City Parks, Rushmore Little League Collaborate on Arbor Day Project

The Rushmore Little League Minors Complex was chosen by the Rapid City Urban Forestry Board as the 2018 Rapid City Arbor Day project.   Rushmore Little League and the Rapid City Parks Department gathered Friday, June 1 to plant over 25 trees at the complex, located at 260 E. Main North (across from the City Street Department).

City Council member Darla Drew will provide a mayoral proclamation at the event.  Council member Ritchie Nordstrom also attended the ceremony.

The complex is home to four fields for Rushmore Little League athletes ages 4-12. 

"This is a great Arbor Day project that will enhance the beauty of the Little League complex and provide shade for the participants and spectators for many years to come," said Jim Bussell, Rushmore Little League president.  "This is also a great family activity with Rushmore Little League families joining in the planting effort."

Trees and staking materials were provided by the City of Rapid City.  City Parks and Recreation staff were joined by Rushmore Little League families and board members helped install the trees around the complex and completed the planting process by filling in the holes around the trees.

"This is a great community project with City forestry staff helping with the planting," said City Urban Forester Andy Bernard.  "This activity is also a Tree City USA event and underscores the City's commitment to expanding, promoting and managing effective tree growth and presentation for everyone in the community to enjoy."

Bussell says the tree-planting project is one of several projects that have taken place during the last five years to help beautify and improve the complex. Improvements have included the construction of a fenced-in T-Ball field, upgrades to the playing surfaces, fences, and a practice field.