Photo: Portland Parks & Recreation
Stolen tree returned next to newly planted one. Photo: Portland Parks & RecreationPORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Portlanders love their parks, and one man didn't hesitate to dip into his bank account to replace a stolen tree in the smallest park in the world.
The man sent a $3.25 check to cover the entire cost of the Douglas Fir sapling that was planted in Mill Ends Park last week.
The park's one and only tree had been stolen a week before.
After the replacement tree was planted, the thief - who apparently had a change of heart - returned the stolen tree. He or she left the tree next to the newly-planted Douglas Fir at Southwest Naito Parkway and Taylor street.
The returned tree is now being watered at city parks headquarters and a permanent home will be announced soon.
All trees planted in the tiny Mill Ends Park are transplanted when they become close to being too large for the park.
Mill Ends Park was dedicated on St. Patrick's Day in 1948 and became an official city park 28 years later.
Despite the return to normalcy at the tiny park, the thief remains at large.
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