Paradise Park Tree Planting Survey

The Town of Paradise is undertaking an important early-stage initiative at Paradise Park, a former steel plant brownfield that has been reclaimed as a community park but currently lacks the tree canopy needed to support healthy ecosystem function, meaningful carbon capture, and year-round recreational use.

The town has received funding from the federal government to plant approximately 325 trees on the site. These trees will expand the community tree canopy, support healthy living and year-round community use, reduce the Town’s carbon footprint and encourage biodiversity.

Please complete this 17 question survey to provide your input regarding preferred planting zones, tree types, and the overall character of the park. Information gathered will help direct the tree planting design to meet the priorities identified by the community.

* Questions with an asterisk require an answer.

Part 1: Park Usage & General Priorities

2.When you visit Paradise Park, what are your primary activities? (Select all that apply)

Other (please specify)

Part 2: Location & Spatial Planning

3.Within the current park boundaries, where do you feel there is the highest overall need for new tree planting?

Zone A - Main Building Entrance

Zone B - Bandstand, Splashpad, & Playground

Zone C - Dog Parks, legacy courts, beach volleyball courts, south park boundary

Zone D - Central open area

Zone E - East park perimeter, Mcnamara Drive

4.Referring to your answer to question 3, why do you feel trees are needed in this area of the park?

5.Where do you feel tree canopy and shade coverage are the most important? (Select your top 2)(Required.)

Other (please specify)

6.Open spaces can be windy, where in the park would you most appreciate trees planted specifically to act as windbreaks or buffers?

7.Are there any specific areas in the park where you feel trees should NOT be planted (e.g., to preserve specific sightlines, open fields, or current activities)?

Part 3: Planting Styles & Layout

8.Which planting style do you prefer for the park's new trees? (Select all that apply)

Naturalized clusters of diverse deciduous and coniferous trees surrounded by tall, untamed grasses and wildflowers.

Naturalized forest like clusters.

A straight, paved stone walkway in a sunny public park, flanked by two perfectly aligned rows of mature, leafy trees.

Curated/Formal

A walking path meandering through a manicured green lawn dotted with a diverse collection of showcase trees.

Arboretum Style

9.When planning the layout, how do you prefer the trees to be spaced?

Dense, grouped clusters of trees (copses).

Widely spaced, individual shade trees.

A balance of both tight groupings and open spacing.

Part 4: Tree Preferences & Seasonal Interest

10.The project proposes a nearly equal mix of coniferous (evergreen/needled) and deciduous (leaf-dropping) trees. What is your personal preference for the park's overall look?

I prefer mostly coniferous evergreen trees.

I prefer mostly leafy, deciduous trees.

I like an equal mix of both.

I have no preference.

11.Which characteristics do you value most from deciduous (leaf dropping) trees for Paradise Park? (Select up to 3)(Required.)

Fall Color (e.g., Freeman Maple)

Spring Flowers & Fragrance (e.g., Crab Apple, Ivory Silk Lilac, Littleleaf Linden)

Native Species (e.g., Paper Birch, Trembling Aspen)

Wildlife & Pollinator Support (e.g., European Mountain Ash, Chuckley Pear)

Heritage/Large Canopy Character (e.g., European Beech, Glenleven Linden)

12.Which characteristics do you value most from coniferous (evergreen/needled) trees for Paradise Park? (Select up to 2)(Required.)

Native Evergreens (e.g., Balsam Fir, White Spruce)

Tall, Majestic Profiles (e.g., White Pine)

Striking Visual Colors/Textures (e.g., Colorado Blue Spruce, Japanese Larch, Tamarack)

Hardy, Wind-Resistant Shapes (e.g., Austrian Pine, Scots Pine)

13.What time of year do you feel the park's tree canopy should look its absolute best?

Spring (Blooming flowers and budding leaves)

Summer (Lush, green, shade)

Autumn (Vibrant fall colors)

Winter (Striking evergreen presence and interesting bark)

14.Winter interest is important in our climate. How important is it to you that the tree selection provides visual interest (such as evergreens, colorful bark, or lingering berries) during the snowy months?

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not important

Part 5: Community Connection & Future Stewardship

15.How important is it that the newly planted trees provide educational opportunities (e.g., species identification tags, information on how trees capture carbon)?

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not important

16.Are you interested in future opportunities for memorial or commemorative tree planting in Paradise Park?

Yes

Maybe/ I would need more information

17.Do you have any additional comments, concerns, or specific suggestions strictly regarding the tree planting initiative at Paradise Park?