A vine maple tree found a new home at Jenkins Creek Park Friday, April 30, during an Arbor Day event.

Scott Thomas, parks and recreation director for Covington, organized a tree planting party Friday afternoon at the park to commemorate the day.

Thomas said the group was planting a replacement tree near a tree in the park that was dying.

The parks director said he, “chose a large, Northwest-native tree, a vine maple,” to commemorate Arbor Day. The vine maple was chosen for educational purposes and because the site will allow the tree to grow to full size.

Thomas said Covington has been designated as a tree city for eight years.

A tree has been planted for each year and a plaque will be placed at each site.

Joining Thomas Friday was David Aldous, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Kollin Higgins and Martin Larson, both members of the commission, Covington City Manager Derek Matheson and Kentlake sophomore Madeleine Sutton.

Jenkins Creek Park is located at 18050 S.E. 267th Place.

The 23-acre park was transferred from King County to the city of Covington in 2003.

The city plans to continue upgrading the park through volunteer efforts, grants and community involvement.