Many local citizens were saddened — and some angered — when an out-of-town crew showed up to cut down more than 20 magnolia trees that had been planted in downtown Rayne.
The trees comprised Magnolia Memorial Park and had been planted along the railroad, representing the lives of loved ones who had died.
With little warning, BNSF Railroad Co., who owns the property on which the trees were planted, had the trees removed on July 11, citing regulations requiring that nothing grow taller than 3 feet if it’s within 50 feet of the railroad.
But all is not lost.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux said that he has received word that the trees will be replanted.
“I received a phone call from Mr. Joe Faust — he’s the public relations director for BNSF Railroad — and he says, ‘I have good news. We’ve agreed to donate the money to replant trees for the memorial that was taken down as long as it’s not planted in the BNSF right of way,’” Robichaux said.
Situated between Louisiana Avenue and the railroad tracks that run east and west through the city, Magnolia Memorial Park had been established in May of 2012 by numerous donors and volunteers with the purchase and planting of more than 30 magnolia trees, each varying in height, variety and price.
The planting of the trees, each purchased by families in memory of loved ones, was completed three years ago, with plans for phases two and three to include a walking path, benches and shrubbery.
“We tried our hardest to have this not happen,” Robichaux said of the demolition of the park in the days following. “But, it being the property of the railroad, they are entitled to do with it as they feel fit, and I guess they felt this was their only option.”
The mayor acknowledged at the time that the city would have transplanted the trees but “with the time constraints the railroad gave us, along with the hot summer heat, I doubt the trees would have survived.”
Robichaux said he now plans to work with those who took part in the original project to find a new home for the memorial park.
