Trees in the Park
In the heart of downtown Columbus, the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park offers a thriving green space where a used car lot once stood. More than 40 trees have been planted throughout the Park, including Frontier Elms, Bloodgood Japanese Maples, Eastern Redbuds, Frans Fontaine Hornbeams, and Kwanzan Pink Flowering Cherries. Together, they contribute to Columbus’s urban tree canopy and reflect a simple belief: environmental justice is social justice.
Each tree is also part of the Park’s living collection of tributes. Many have been dedicated in honor or memory of individuals whose lives, leadership, and love continue to shape our community.
On April 28, 2024, the Park celebrated its trees with a special dedication ceremony held in recognition of Earth Day. During the gathering, the names and tributes connected to each sponsored tree were read aloud, honoring the growing family of people and stories rooted in the Park. Look through the photos below to learn more about each tree and the dedications.
