The following is written by Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow:

Sumner is a beautiful city for many reasons, one of which being the trees around town.  We’ve been honored as a Tree City USA for 22 years now, and it shows as you drive down our streets or take a look at our parks.

Several years ago I joined staff and volunteers as we planted trees to repair an area damaged along the White River.  Last year we joined together as part of a national effort and planted trees in Triangle Park, a new park along the trail north of town. As part of our Arbor Day Celebration this year, we had volunteers helping us plant trees at the Sumner City Cemetery.  I want to thank them all for their contribution, but their help goes beyond just planting trees.

We are very fortunate to have an excellent City staff.  I’m pretty sure these folks can do just about anything, and they definitely could have planted those trees in nothing flat.  But, is that the point? It’s not staff alone that build community: it’s each of us – all of us – working together that builds our community and makes it beautiful. Whether you vote in an election or run for office or plant a tree, it’s a reminder that this is your community, a role that gives you responsibilities along with rights.