LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Parks & Recreation is seeking a donated tree to serve as the community's holiday centerpiece in Triangle Park this year, according to a city announcement.

Each year, the downtown tree is donated by a homeowner or business owner. Mayor Linda Gorton said the city generally plants and maintains trees across Lexington, but growth can sometimes make removal necessary. "Donating a tree that is already slated for removal is a great way to bring smiles and joy to the faces of many during the holiday season," Gorton said.

The ideal tree is a relatively full Blue Spruce or Norway Spruce measuring 30 to 40 feet tall. The site must also offer enough space and access for trucks and equipment to safely reach and remove the tree. Parks & Recreation will review options and, once a tree is selected, will remove it and grind the remaining stump at no cost to the donor.

Parks & Recreation's maintenance team will set up, light and decorate the tree at Triangle Park. Monica Conrad, the department's director, said the same crew also lights and maintains 53 trees along Main Street. "We are so thankful for our staff members who do such amazing work this time of year, often in cold and windy conditions," Conrad said.

Individuals or businesses interested in donating a tree that meets the specifications should contact Victoria Hamm at [email protected] or (859) 288-2937 to have the tree considered and to learn more about the donation process.

Lexington Parks & Recreation, a division of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, oversees programming, maintenance and development of 108 city parks and natural areas, 98 miles of trail, six pools, five golf courses, four community centers and three arts venues. The department is a recipient of the AAPRA National Gold Medal Grand Plaque, the most prestigious award a park agency can receive. Residents can follow Lexington Parks & Recreation on Facebook or Instagram at @LexKYParks for more information.