Mill Ends Park, also known as the world's tiniest patch of greenery, recently found itself the victim of arboreal abduction when its sole tree vanished without a trace. Standing proudly in the median of Naito Parkway, the park's dwarf Alberta spruce disappeared a couple weeks ago, leaving city officials and locals stumped.
Stolen again, the spruce had become a beloved staple for Portlanders, including Adam Smith, a local tour guide who noticed the empty park conducting a tour. Smith promptly alerted Portland Parks and Recreation's Mark Ross about the unpaved crime scene, who confirmed the disappearance and announced plans for a green comeback. "The tree must've been stolen again," Ross said with a knowing jest, hinting at Portland's affection for this pint-sized park, according to KOIN 6 News.
Jim Turner, another guide with Infinite Oregon Tours, found people's connection to the park touching. "Mill Ends Park is close to many people's hearts and they take it upon themselves or take ownership. Somebody brought a tree...it really heartens me that people care so much,” Turner shared in a statement obtained by KATU News.
While the misadventure of the missing tree unfolds, Portland Parks and Rec isn't leafing anything to chance, promising to plant a new dwarf Alberta spruce in the park. Ross, still keeping his branches crossed, shared with KOIN 6 News that the original tree once filched faced a similar fate but was enigmatically returned, accompanied by a generous check of $3.25 for the "mystery tree".
While the original sentinel of Mill Ends Park has been replanted in a covert locale, as Ross indicated, the hope remains that Portland's smallest park won't stay deforested for long. Turner remarked, "it really heartens me that people care so much," shedding light on the community’s resolute spirit to see this Lilliputian landmark flourish once more, as reported by KATU News.
