Holiday Trees Will Be Recycled at More Than a Dozen County Parks

DATE: December 23, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Mills

Parks and Recreation Division

PHONE: 954-357-8115

WHAT: When the holidays are long gone but your tree isn't, it's time to chip in and donate your used evergreen to our annual Chip-a-Tree initiative. Last year Broward County Parks recycled more than 5,000 trees - tons of material that would otherwise have gone to landfills. Your tree can join those recyclable thousands.

The free program encourages Broward County residents to remove all decorations from their trees (no decorated trees will be accepted), then bring the trees to a participating park, where they are chipped and used for landscaping throughout the County park system. There is a limit of two trees per vehicle, artificial trees are not accepted, and no commercial vehicles or garbage trucks are allowed.

This season's program runs from Saturday, December 26, 2015, through Monday, January 18, 2016, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of those after-the-holidays sales before hauling your tree to a park. And remember, the regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee will not be in effect for recyclers, so there's no excuse not to do the right thing. Hours vary; call the park of your choice for additional details.

WHERE:

· Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City 33024; 954-357-5150

· C. B. Smith Park, 900 N Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines 33028; 954-357-5170

· Easterlin Park, 1000 NW 38th St., Oakland Park 33309; 954-357-5190

· Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek 33063; 954-357-5198

· Markham Park & Target Range, 16001 W State Rd. 84, Sunrise 33326; 954-357-8868

· Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S Fig Tree Lane, Plantation 33317; 954-357-5135

· Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale 33311; 954-791-1036

· Snake Warrior's Island Natural Area, 3600 SW 62nd Ave., Miramar 33023; 954-357-8776

· Tradewinds Park & Stables, 3600 W Sample Rd., Coconut Creek 33073; 954-357-8870

· Tree Tops Park, 3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie 33328; 954-357-5130

· T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park, 3300 N Park Rd., Hollywood 33021; 954-357-8811

· Vista View Park, 4001 SW 142nd Ave., Davie 33330; 954-357-8898

· West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood 33019; 954-357-5161

WHEN: Saturday, December 26, 2015-Monday, January 18, 2016; hours vary by park.

Recreation. Preservation. Education.

Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division manages almost 6,500 acres, encompassing nearly 50 regional parks and nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range, a stadium, a skate park, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit Broward.org/Parks.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event.