New trees planted at Old Cannery Waterfront Park

By Dan Hammock • November 19, 2021 1:30 am
DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD As promised, six new birch trees have been planted at Old Cannery Park off the end of Fifth Street in Hoquiam. The original trees in the park were removed due to trunk rot, bringing some complaints from longtime users of the park.
DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD As promised, six new birch trees have been planted at Old Cannery Park off the end of Fifth Street in Hoquiam. The original trees in the park were removed due to trunk rot, bringing some complaints from longtime users of the park.

After a slight uproar over the removal of the alder trees at Hoquiam’s newest waterfront park in June, Mayor Ben Winkelman promised those trees, removed due to trunk decay, would be replaced.

On Wednesday, Nov. 17, he made good on his word when several new birch trees were planted at Old Cannery Waterfront Park, located on the north side of Grays Harbor at Fifth Street and South Adams Street.

The park has been paved and striped, and the Hoquiam Lions Club’s contribution, a covered picnic shelter, has been completed. Benches have been installed, as have concrete plant pots that offer additional seating, offering comfortable views for birdwatchers and other visitors.

“More work will follow over the next several months to complete landscaping, signage and other amenities,” said Hoquiam City Administrator Brian Shay. “Long term, the city is hoping to find additional grant funding to install a public restroom and additional enhancements.”