Lincoln Parks and Recreation plans to remove 64 hazardous trees at Standing Bear and Sawyer Snell parks, with 124 new trees scheduled for planting across three locations in spring 2027.
Removal work is scheduled to begin in late October at Standing Bear Park on Park Boulevard and in early November at Sawyer Snell Park near Third and South streets.
Signs will mark the work zones. Visitors are asked to avoid those areas for their safety and the safety of crews.
Karen Nalow, Parks and Recreation capital projects administrator, said forestry professionals identified the trees as potentially dangerous because of damage, disease or death.
“Removing these trees will improve public safety, support the health of remaining vegetation, restore native habitat, and prepare the sites for future tree planting and restoration efforts,” Nalow said.
The department plans to plant 52 trees at Standing Bear Park, 54 at Sawyer Snell Park and 18 at Sherman Field, 225 South St., in spring 2027.
Nalow said planting will focus on increasing shade in areas where people play, park and gather while supporting the long-term health of Lincoln’s urban forest.
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, in partnership with PlantNebraska and Lincoln Parks and Recreation.
More information about the department is available at parks.lincoln.ne.gov.