I am a resident of Palm Springs, CA, and I have always found solace in the beauty and tranquility of our public parks. One aspect that particularly stands out is the presence of old growth trees. These trees are not just important for us to enjoy, but they also serve as habitats for diverse wildlife.

However, 15 old growth trees at Demuth Park are now under threat of being cut down to make room for a large continuous slab of concrete for pickleball courts. This would not only disrupt our peaceful park environment but also displace the wildlife that calls these trees home. The loss of even one of these trees can have a significant impact on local biodiversity.

Replacing them with a large slab of concrete will create another urban heat island, which communities are trying to avoid or replace.

Moreover, these mature trees play an essential role in mitigating climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere (source: Nature). In fact, according to a study published in Nature magazine, older trees absorb more CO2 than younger ones.

We must protect these invaluable natural resources for future generations to enjoy and learn from. We urge local authorities to reconsider their decision and find alternatives that would preserve these precious old growth trees. As a pickleball lover too, I think we can do a much better job of designing courts without killing these trees. Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving nature's beauty and biodiversity right here at home.