The Brief

Members of the local Ismaili Muslim community partnered with the city of Tampa to dedicate the America 250 Commemorative Grove at Rowlett Park Saturday, planting 250 new trees.

Organizers said they chose an environmental project over one-day celebrations to provide long-term shade, air filtration and water benefits for Tampa residents.

About 50 volunteers and community members gathered alongside Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to dedicate the commemorative grove.

TAMPA, Fla. –  Fireworks and parades are standard fare for national milestone celebrations, but a community group in Tampa is marking America’s 250th anniversary by putting down deep roots.

America 250 Commemorative Grove

The backstory

On Saturday morning, members of the Ismaili Muslim community gathered alongside Tampa Mayor Jane Castor at Rowlett Park to dedicate the America 250 Commemorative Grove — featuring 250 newly planted trees.

While national July Fourth celebrations were held several weeks ago, the Ismaili Council for Florida said it wanted to make a tangible, long-term investment in the Bay Area – and that planting all these trees was worth the wait.

“For us in the Ismaili community, service and volunteerism are very important values, and environmental stewardship is very important, leaving the world a better place than when we found it,” Fahim Hemani, who does communications and outreach for the Ismaili Council for Florida, said. “So, this commitment marks that commitment to our future here in Tampa and the future of all Tampanians.”

About 50 community members came out to dedicate the commemorative plaque at the park, which is located just south of Busch Gardens.

Tampa’s Rowlett Park tree planting

Big picture view

While many of the new trees are small right now, organizers say they were planted with a much bigger purpose – and local residents — in mind.

“I think they’ll benefit from shade, will benefit from a cleaner environment, will benefit from cleaner water, and a place where future generations can come and play and have a good old time,” Hemani said.

The Source

The information in this story was gathered from statements by Fahim Hemani, communications and outreach representative for the Ismaili Council for Florida, along with event details provided by the city of Tampa and the Ismaili Council for Florida.