PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of the most picturesque locations in Philadelphia is about to lose its most iconic feature. Philadelphia Parks and Recreation announced a few weeks ago that the enormous sugar maple at Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park is going to get the axe.
The nearly-100-year-old tree is sick, they say, and as a matter of public safety, it must be scrapped. In its final days, the behemoth is encircled by an orange plastic barrier, signaling to visitors to keep their distance.
The city says parts of the tree may be preserved, and other parts may be turned into lumber. The process will begin in the coming weeks, according to an official statement.
But don't panic. The city says a grove of three black gum trees, another native, city-hardy species, will soon stand in place of that old sugar maple. The planting will happen — when else? — on Arbor Day, April 29.
Will Smith introduced Belmont Plateau to the world with the 1991 DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince bop "Summertime."
Back in Philly we be out in the park
A place called the plateau is where everybody goes
But Philadelphians have long known of its charms. You can't beat the Plateau for a stunning view of the city. The Fairmount Park Commission calls it "Philadelphia's most scenic overlook." And right there, framing the vista, has been a monstrous sugar maple tree — big and beautiful and eerily all alone.
Bidding adieu to the tree with a view
The section of the park dominated by that maple has played host to generations of barbecues and picnics. Countless runners, bicyclists, high school cross country runners and amateur softball players have passed by the tree. And when it is gone, people are bound to have feelings about it.
Bettina Hoerlin says she visits the tree frequently. She came by on Thursday to pay her respects.
"This is my place of worship for Philadelphia, because it frames this city in a way that is so gorgeous. It is one of my favorite views. I have so many pictures of that tree with the view of Philly. I’m so sorry about this," she said.
"When my son was in high school, he was a runner. And this is, of course, a famous running spot for cross country. The tree was the place. 'We’ll meet by the tree.' 'The tree.' 'The tree.' It’s always central to that."
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Given the tree's importance to so many Philadelphians, the city wants to make sure it goes out with a bang. Parks and Recreation is asking Belmont Plateau Sugar Maple fans to share their photos and memories of the celebrated tree on social media using the hashtag #belmontmaple.
Remembrances and personal stories have begun to feed in on Twitter.
The city will gather some of the words and images for a tribute.