SEQUIM — Landscaping for a waterfall restoration project at Pioneer Memorial Park was begun last week.
Mayor Dennis Smith planted a tri-colored dogwood tree while Sequim Prairie Garden Club members planted azaleas and rhododendrons at the park at 387 E. Washington St., Thursday to mark Arbor Day.
The landscape so far features a weeping purple birch tree, purple maple and Siberian cypress, with more plantings still to come.
“It should be ready to be gorgeous by spring,” said Arlene Sawyer, Sequim Prairie Garden Club member. “I think it really enhances the area.”
Priscilla Hudson, Sequim Prairie Garden Club historian, said the landscaping should be done by spring of 2018 when a ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the completion of the waterfall restoration project.
The Sequim Prairie Garden Club and city staff have joined forces to restore the waterfall.
It was originally completed in 1965 but became inoperable in the 1990s due to leaks and other malfunctions, city officials said. The water was turned off and the pool was filled with cement.
The city of Sequim earned Tree City USA status one year ago granted by the Arbor Day Foundation.
A city earns Tree City USA status by maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.
