New trees to be planted at Denny’s Plaza

Thirty-four new trees will be planted soon at Denny’s Plaza in downtown Spartanburg providing more shade and beautification of the area.

The project funded by a $17,000 grant from the Noble Tree Foundation is set to begin in a few weeks. The trees will be planted around the outside border of the plaza along South Converse Street, East Main Street, East Broad Street and South Liberty Street.

Partners for Active Living and the City of Spartanburg is collaborating with the foundation on the project.

“It’s part of the beautification of downtown,” said Ashley Allen, Noble Tree Foundation chairman. “PAL is working with the city to finalize the dates when the trees will be planted.”

Allen said 21 Overcup Oaks will be planted along East Main and East Broad streets. Seven Trident Maples will be planted along South Liberty Street and six Bald Cypress Trees will be planted along South Converse Street.

Allen said as the trees grow they will provide more canopy shade for the plaza area. The trees surrounding the square need to be replaced because they are in severe decline due to disease.

“As our downtown continues its redevelopment, one of the most important aspects of conscious placemaking is balancing the urban hardscape with the beautification that only natural elements can provide,” said Christopher George, City of Spartanburg Communications Manager.

Laura Ringo, executive director of Partners for Active Living, said the grant would also be used to conduct site repair work of the sidewalks in the area.

A new playground was recently constructed at the plaza. Ringo said the new trees will help provide shade to those using the playground.

“The new Denny’s Plaza playground is already filled with children and families,” Ringo said. “To ensure that this continues throughout the year, more shade will help.”