Maples spark makeover

Hamiltonians will be treated to a beautiful new autumn spectacle in the future with a new maple grove planted in Ward Park.

Councillor Angela O'Leary said inspiration for the project took root several years ago, during a trip to the Municipal Nursery.

"I noticed the maples and asked what we were going to do with them. They said there was nothing marked for them so it's been sitting in the back of my mind since then."

Ms O'Leary approached Hamilton City Council general manager community Lance Vervoort with the idea.

"We landed on Ward Park. It's a great spot because it gets a lot of foot traffic from Hamilton Girls' High and people coming into the city for work."

She said the park's history as part of the city's green belt was also important.

"I read a document, and in 1988 Council did a management plan for that part of the town belt and they always wanted it to be a changing park that appealed to the curiosity of city residents."

Ms O'Leary said it was a good feeling to help fulfil this aim.

Almost 90 of the trees have been planted, which Ms O'Leary said in 4-5 years would have beautiful red, orange and yellow foliage.