The city of McKinney will turn a deceased pecan tree in Finch Park into a remarkable piece of art, honoring both the park's history and the city’s natural beauty.
Starting Monday, July 29, acclaimed tree carving artist Rob Banda will commence the transformation, which is expected to last several days.
Update: 7/30/24 | 8:30 a.m. According to McKinneySenior Media & Public Relations Manager Denise Lessard, the project's carver discovered the tree is "too rotted to carve," so the city will begin planning for a new project.
The original story continues below.
Funded by a grant from the McKinney Arts Commission, the artwork will feature:
- Collin McKinney's cabin: A tribute to the city's namesake.
- A series of animals: A nod to the former zoo that was once a feature of Finch Park.
- Native Texas wildflowers and bugs: A celebration of the park's natural flora and fauna.
Finch Park, one of McKinney's oldest parks, was established in the early 1900s. It was originally home to the city’s first swimming pool — a rudimentary hole filled with water — and a zoo that once housed a variety of animals, including squirrels, possums, porcupines, a talking crow and a black bear.
“This project is a perfect example of McKinney's uniqueness by nature,” said Amy Kinkade, director of parks and recreation. “By transforming this damaged tree into a work of art, we are preserving its legacy and creating something meaningful for future generations to enjoy.”
For more details on the parks and recreation department, visit McKinneyParks.org.
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