Someone was killing trees in years past with the weed-whacker. Girdled them until there was no bark.

That would explain around the trees but what about around the benches and poles?

Speaking from experience as a former landscaper, never trust an idiot with a weed-whacker. The city probably removed removed weed-whacking from the mowing contract because they don't trust them not to whack around trees.

I can certainly understand not wanting to damage the trees on the park. There are some wonderful old trees there, which is one reason we like to walk there. As someone who has lived this park almost my entire life I hate to see it neglected.

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