REL Christmas Tree Recycling 12.17.07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, December 17, 2007

CONTACT Kristen Weaver, [317] 327-7035 Afua Anokwa, [317] 327-7027

Indy Parks Announces Christmas Tree Recycling Program Residents encouraged to recycle live Christmas trees at nine city parks

INDIANAPOLIS — Beginning Wednesday, December 26 through Thursday, January 31, 2008, residents may drop off their Christmas trees for recycling at nine city parks during normal park hours (dawn to dusk), seven days a week. Last year, Indy Parks recycled over 25,000 Christmas trees – creating quality mulch for city parks and saving thousands of taxpayer dollars in disposal costs.

Signage will designate the specific drop off sites within each of the following parks:  Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Ave., (main parking lot)  Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St., (main parking lot)  Garfield Park, 2450 S. Shelby St., (MacAllister Center parking lot)  Gustafson Park, 3110 Moller Rd., (main parking lot)  Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Rd., (northeast parking lot)  Northwestway Park, 5253 W. 62nd St., (parking lot)  Perry Park, 451 E. Stop 11 Rd., (soccer field parking lot)  Riverside Park, 2420 N. Riverside Dr. (parking lot at 27th St. and Riverside Dr. E.)  Sahm Park, 6801 E. 91st St., (soccer field parking lot) For the third consecutive year, Rupert’s Kids will help Indy Parks’ forestry staff collect and chip the Christmas trees as part of a mentoring partnership in which students assume maintenance responsibilities for certain parks, and in return receive valuable landscape, forestry, horticulture and maintenance skills from Indy Parks’ trained professionals.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guidelines: Prior to drop off, all Christmas trees must be stripped of all ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, nails, and other decorations.

Christmas trees accepted at the above parks only.

“Live” wreaths and garland will be accepted only if all wires and decorations are removed first.

No artificial trees or materials will be accepted. Please, no dumping of yard waste or other household items.

Residents can call 327-PARK or visit www.indyparks.org for additional Christmas tree recycling information.

Indy Parks and Recreation  Public Information Office  200 East Washington Street  Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 [317] 327-7035  [317] 327-7097 fax  www.indyparks.org