Diving tree to be reviewed by municipality 0
The municipality of Dysart decided at its recent council meeting to remove this tree that sits next to the Drag River, located in Head Lake Park. After multiple attempts to prevent children from jumping off the tree into the river, including removing the tree's limbs, it was decided the tree would have to be removed in its entirety for safety reasons. ANGELICA BLENICH/HALIBURTON COUNTY ECHO/QMI AGENCY
Council are hoping a popular tree next to the bridge in Head Lake Park will no longer be a jumping off point for kids swimming in the Drag River.
Ray Miscio, director of parks and recreation, said the limbs had been cut off the tree to prevent kids from jumping off it, eliminating the safety concern.
Signs indicating diving was not allowed were also posted on the bridge but were removed shortly after, said Miscio.
“At least they can’t climb up that tree anymore,” said Dysart et al Reeve Murray Fearrey.
After council was informed children were continuing to climb to the top of the tree, members of council discussed whether the whole tree should just be removed.
“We’re going to get sued,” said Fearrey.
“Someone’s going to get hurt,” said Councillor Susan Norcross.
Further options were going to be examined before the tree was cut down entirely, Miscio told the paper.
One idea is to install a plastic sleeve around the base of the tree, which can’t be scaled.
“We’re hoping not to cut it down, but if somebody gets hurt you’re going to wish you had,” said Miscio.
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