Special activities for kids added to Shores Arbor Day Fun Run this year

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — If anyone ever had any doubt about Grosse Pointe Shores’ commitment to its urban forest, consider this: Both the Planning Commission and City Council recently approved a fence setback variance in large part because the homeowner needed it to save an 80-year-old maple tree on his property.

The Shores will mark its 21st anniversary as a Tree City USA with an Arbor Day Fun Run and other activities starting at 9 a.m. May 5 at Osius Park.

Since the annual Easter egg hunt had to be canceled because of a spring snowstorm, Arbor Day Fun Run organizers are hosting a children’s festival the same day at Osius Park. It will include a petting zoo, games, treats, prizes and face painting.

“This Arbor Day is special,” Beautification Advisory Committee Chair Helen Bai said at an April 16 Shores City Council meeting.

The fun run is a 1-mile, 3K or 5K course open to Shores runners, walkers, inline skaters and strollers. The course extends from Osius Park to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House and back. The full course is about 3 miles. There’s a $5 entry fee per walker/runner, which includes a commemorative T-shirt.

“It’s a way to connect with people,” Mayor Ted Kedzierski said after the meeting of this annual tradition. “It’s just a way for people at the beginning of the (park) season to get together.”

After the run, residents can learn about tree maintenance and selection from the Shores Tree Board. There will be information as well about the legendary Johnny Appleseed, who was known for establishing orchards across the American frontier.

Bai said there will be a paper bag raffle with prizes for all ages.

“We have a nice array of about 15 items,” Bai said.

A memorial tree for late Shores resident and philanthropist John Boll Sr. has been purchased and will be planted in about two or three weeks, Bai said. She said a bronze marker has been ordered as well. Boll died Aug. 24, 2022, at the age of 93.

For a fun run registration form or more information about Arbor Day, visit gpshoresmi.gov.