By Laura Lance
October 27, 2023

UPDATE (January 31, 2024): Sixty-eight of the trees visible in these photos are slated to be destroyed by the City of Aiken as part of an “improvement” project in the outdoor areas of the Smith Hazel Park.

Despite 13 months of citizens urging input in the plans for the park, and despite the City’s assurances that opportunity would be given for input on the trees, this did not happen. The City only recently divulged the number of trees slated for destruction. A citizen effort is underway to pause the project to allow for citizen input.

Note: The trees marked with ribbons are the ones NOT slated for destruction at this time.

The photos in this gallery were taken throughout April 2023 at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center. The reason for publishing these photos today, some six months later, is twofold. One, to document the lovely, parklike setting created by the trees. Two, to document the trees that may be slated for preservation or, alternately, destruction.

Two dozen or more of the trees had caution-tape ribbons tied around them in April. Most were yellow ribbons, a few were red. According to City Horticulturist Aaron Campbell, who was reached by phone, the trees with caution tape were designated to NOT be cut down.

During this conversation, Mr. Campbell conveyed his shared appreciation for the trees in this park and a concern that the grand trees in that area be protected. He also stated that the walking track at Smith Hazel will be modified to meet ADA (American Disability Act) standards, and this will necessitate removing a number of trees. See more, below, under “Personal Notes.”

Click on images for larger views and descriptions

Personal Notes: I attended a meeting at Smith Hazel in December 2022 regarding upcoming renovations and improvements to the park and future concept plans. I stated my concerns over the loss of trees during the upcoming plans (autumn 2023) to reroute and replace the walking track. City Recreation Department staff was unable to provide specific information on the plan for the trees.

I stated my opinion during the December meeting and again to Mr. Campbell, in April, as I have also stated in City Council and other City meetings over these months, that protection of the Smith Hazel trees should be paramount, and that the public should be given advance notice on the planned removal of trees in parks and parkways. Mr. Campbell stated during our April conversation that the public would be given notification and opportunity for input before the removal of trees at Smith Hazel.

Considering this summer’s history with the City’s destruction of eleven trees in the Williamsburg/Farmers Market parkway, it is incumbent upon the City to be forthright, as soon as details are known, about the plans for the Smith Hazel trees. If there are trees slated for protection or destruction, these trees should be marked in advance, not abruptly destroyed without public notice or input, as happened in the Williamsburg Parkway.