New trees welcomed as path talk grows

ST ALBANS Park residents have welcomed more than 80 trees alongside one of their suburb’s main strips, but are now calling for a proper walking path too.

The City of Greater Geelong recently planted the trees along Coppards Road in response to a request from a local community member.

Councillor Anthony Aitken, chair of City Works, Parks and Gardens, said the trees were angophora costata (smooth barked apple).

“They are a striking evergreen tree with a twisted pinkish/red trunk and branches and showy white flowers in December/January,” Cr Aitken said.

“The trees have been planted as part of our annual planting program that runs from May until September.”

The trees begin at Aldershot Road and continue until Woods Road, where locals would also like the city to construct some form of walking path as well.

Debbie Miles recently encouraged discussion on the issue when she took to the St Albans Park, Moolap, Newcomb, Thomson & Whittington Community Page on Facebook.

Debbie said the trees would look great when they started to grow, but asked if anyone knew if the council was putting in a walking track next to them.

“It gets so slippery in winter that it is dangerous, and I end up walking on the road,” she said.

Kylie Wilkinson said, “Oh I love them too they will look amazing… I only said the other day that I wished they’d put a walking track there”, while Kate Daley said, “I hope a path is made… I would love that”, and Julie Ford said, “A path made from crushed rock would look good”.

Steve Guarnaccia compared the current path to a goat track, and one local suggested launching a petition for people to sign, but Cr Aitken stated, “At this stage there are no plans for construction of a footpath on this section of Coppards Road”.

The city has planted more than 2,000 trees throughout the municipality since May 2021.

“Our annual planting program supports the Urban Forest strategy in making Geelong a cool green city,” Cr Aitken said.