The stump of a beloved tree that once stood in Riverside Park in Independence gets new life as a carved statue.

 

The giant Elm tree had stood on the playground in Riverside Park for more than 100 years until Dutch Elm Disease killed it in 2023. The community was saddened when park officials were forced to remove the landmark tree that had provided shade for multiple generations of Independence kids.

 

Now, the remains of the tree have a new life as a recently unveiled carving of a lion and a cub. The carving stands near the location of where the tree once stood on the main playground in Riverside Park and was created by artist Chauney Poe.

 

The carving can currently be seen at the playground and officials say a dedication plaque will be added soon.