Years ago, a piece of land in La Choya was donated to the city of Puerto Peñasco to be used as a city park. Choya residents planted some palm trees along one side and a half-dozen other trees in scattered spots. Playground equipment was brought in and a basketball half-court and horseshoe pits were created. Later picnic ramadas were constructed, barbecues installed and sanitary services arranged.
The park has enjoyed occasional use by Choya residents, renters on vacation, and families from in town. Now, with the launch of a Memorial Tree Program, it is also a place to honor loved ones with a living, lasting legacy.
Over the last two months, 15 new trees were planted in the Choya memorial park. Engraved plaques were place at the foot of those trees and at five mature trees, to honor people who had a special connection to La Choya, Choya Bay and Rocky Point.
Many families choose to scatter the ashes of those who have passed, rather than doing a burial or inurnment; but that leaves no monument or physical remembrance of their loved ones. The Memorial Tree Program makes it possible to mark the passing and pay tribute with a tree that will one day provide shade and will beautiful the community park.
The committee spearheading the program has had requests for additional memorial trees since the program began. A second planting is proposed for late fall of 2025. In the meantime, the existing trees will be nurtured and monitored.
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Cutlines:
Workers unload the first group of memorial trees at the park in La Choya.
Sponsors gather round one of 20 memorial trees planted in Choya’s memorial park, for a dedication ceremony.
