Arlington marked Texas Arbor Day by planting its 2,100th tree and dedicating a time capsule that will remain sealed for 100 years, a centerpiece of the city’s 150th‑anniversary celebrations. The ceremony took place on a chilly Friday afternoon in downtown Arlington, drawing city officials, local business owners, and community members together at Rotary Dream Park.
According to the Fort Worth Report, the tree— a 96‑gallon chinquapin oak—was installed at the corner of Front Street and Center Street, directly across from the historic Texas & Pacific Train Depot site that originally spurred Arlington’s development. Assistant Director of the Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department Michael DeBrecht explained that the oak was chosen for its native roots and drought‑tolerant qualities, noting, “It was chosen to stand the test of time… our tree could be here for another 150 years and more.”
Council member Raul Gonzalez addressed the crowd, emphasizing the symbolic weight of the planting. He said the time capsule should convey “the love the city has from its current population” to future residents, acknowledging that while the next century’s changes are unpredictable, thoughtful choices today can shape Arlington’s legacy.
The city’s tree‑planting initiative, launched at the start of the year by the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, set a goal of planting at least 150 trees each month. DeBrecht reported that the department exceeded that target, reaching 2,100 trees by early November.
Following the tree planting, officials began the process of sealing the time capsule near the oak. Items slated for inclusion, as detailed by Jay Warren, the city’s communication and legislative affairs director, include the city’s annual report, ticket stubs from the International Bowling Museum, Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys games, memorabilia from the University of Texas at Arlington and Arlington ISD, the 150th‑anniversary community cookbook, a letter from the mayor and council, and a current city map. Warren noted that the community cookbook is expected to be ready by early December, and additional items may be added in the coming weeks before the capsule is officially sealed.
Gonzalez concluded his remarks by thanking participants and expressing hope that future Arlington residents will stand beneath the oak and feel the same pride he feels today. The time capsule is scheduled to be buried in a 100‑year resting place near the tree, with plans to reopen it in 2126.
What’s next: The city will finalize the contents of the capsule over the next few weeks and conduct a burial ceremony later this month. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming events celebrating Arlington’s heritage and to watch for further updates from the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department.
Sources: fortworthreport.org
