New link-up between Birkenhead Park and Central Park in New York

Jul 1 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

What do you think are the similarities between Birkenhead and New York? Drop us a line at Wirral News, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 b3EB

WIRRAL’S Rotary Clubs are holding a unique ceremony next week to strengthen the borough’s historic links with New York.

The president of Rotary International Britain and Ireland (RIBI), David Fowler, will plant an evergreen oak tree in Birkenhead Park on Wednesday, July 8.

On the same day, the president of the Rotary Club of New York, David Wankoff, will celebrate the sponsorship of a tree in Central Park.

F L Olstead, the designer of Central Park, used Birkenhead Park as his inspiration after visiting it in 1850 as part of a tour of Europe.

This will be the first tree planted by David Fowler, who aims to place a tree in each Rotary district during his year of office. The evergreen oak was chosen as the species was among those planted in the original park layout in the 1840s. Tom Risely, Rotary District Environmental Officer, said:

“Rotarians in New York are joining us on this special occasion by holding a ceremony in Central Park to mark the sponsorship of a Rotary tree there.

“This link-up not only promotes fellowship between the two clubs but also strengthens the historic links between the two world-famous parks.”

The Birkenhead Park ceremony will be attended by the borough’s deputy mayor and mayoress, Cllr and Mrs Alan Jennings, as well as senior Wirral Rotarians.