Alachua County Parks & Open Space announces that Cellon Oak Park (4100 NW 169th Place, Gainesville) will be closed to the public from April 10-11.
During this time, local vendor Advanced Tree Care, Inc., will be installing a new lightning protection system on the Florida Co-Champion Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) known as “Cellon Oak." Upon the last official measurement, Cellon Oak was 91 feet tall, 32.5 feet (390 inches) in circumference, with an average crown spread of 164.5 feet, and estimated to be over 200 years old.
“It's so important that we protect this magnificent specimen tree from one of nature's most common destructive forces and make it available for the education and enjoyment of future generations," said Capital Projects Coordinator Ed Williams.
All work will be done in accordance with the most recent ANSI A300 standards and the corresponding best management practices: tree lightning protection systems.
Barring any unexpected delays, such as inclement weather, the park will reopen on Saturday, April 12, and is typically open from sunrise to sunset daily.
For more information, contact Alachua County Parks & Open Space at 352-264-6847 or parks@alachuacounty.us.
