MCKINNEY, Texas — Instead of removing a dead tree from one of its parks, the city of McKinney is carving its history into the trunk.
A pecan tree in Finch Park is being turned into an art project by the city to preserve it and its surrounding history. Finch Park is one of McKinney oldest parks established in the early 1900s, and once featured the city's first swimming pool and zoo.
"This project is a perfect example of McKinney being unique by nature," said Amy Kinkade, Director of Parks and Recreation. "By transforming this damaged tree into a work of art, we are preserving its legacy and creating something meaningful for future generations to enjoy."
The design was proposed by the city's parks and recreation department. It will feature Collin McKinney's cabin to honor the city's namesake, a series of animals recognizing the zoo that was once in Finch Park, and native Texas wildflowers and bugs to showcase the park's natural beauty. Rob Banda, a local tree craving artist with projects across North Texas, will create the artwork.
A grant from the McKinney Arts Commission is funding the project.
The carving will begin on Monday, July 29, and take a few days to complete.
