The City of Hercules announced Thursday it has closed picnic and playground areas at Refugio Park as it works to remove about 40 Eucalyptus trees that pose a danger to park goers.
When the recent wet weather followed a record drought, the picnic and playground area of the park experienced “significant limb droppings and uprooting of Eucalyptus trees.”
The city summoned certified arborists to evaluate the area, and they recommended removing about 40 trees in the high-use areas “to mitigate the risk of further branch-related damage,” officials said.
“As a result, the picnic and playground area will be immediately closed and secured for safety reasons, while the identified trees will be removed within this month,” the city said. “Other areas of the park will remain open to the public.”
The city is currently developing a plan to replant and replace trees in that area of the park, with help from a landscape architect.
“This plan aims to incorporate potential shade structures and other amenities, which will enhance the park’s features,” the city said.
