CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two Chicago families who planted memorial trees, offered by the Chicago Park District to honor lost loved ones, were devastated when they learned they would have to be removed.
The Henriquezes and LeBretons are neighboring families in Lakeview whose households would become very close over their decades-long friendship.
Both lost a loved one and both planted trees as part of the park district's Green Deed Tree Dedication Program, which plants living memorials in city parks.
The trees the families planted are well established now and are near one another by the Waveland Clock Tower right off of Lake Shore Drive near the Lakefront, Laurie LeBreton told CBS 2.
“We’re there on anniversaries. We’re there on holidays. I’m there whenever I’m feeling a little bit low," LeBreton said.
A devastated LeBreton said she learned about plans to demolish the trees in an email.
“Halfway through the email I burst into tears,” LeBreton continued.
The trees, she learned, are in the way of an expansion project at Marovitz Golf Course by the park district and the youth golf organization, First Tee, which said it wasn't aware of the memorial trees.
All of the parties met and now, out of respect to the families, First Tee said the trees will be incorporated into the project.
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