Pocket Park Tree Planting Honors Sally Dobson

A striking Japanese Maple will decorate the Woodgate Pocket Park in memory of Sally Dobson. Sally, who passed away last year, was honored in the park’s first memorialized tree planning January 24. A simple, but special ceremony was led by Kelly and Claire Logan and included almost a dozen of Sally’s other friends.

“The fact that so many of us came here this morning shows what an impact she had on all of us as a friend and neighbor,” Kelly said.

Sally moved to Brandywine Drive in Woodgate about six years ago and eventually relocated to a house on Huntington Drive. She first lived down the street from Kelly and Claire and “came and introduced herself before we even had a chance to go welcome her,” Kelly said. “That is the kind of person she was, so outgoing and vibrant. She did not hesitate in becoming a part of the neighborhood association board and a volunteer with Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

Sally “would randomly leave one of her beautiful homegrown roses in a vase on our front porch,” Kelly remembered. Another friend recalled that Sally said moving into Woodgate was like living in the Miami neighborhood where she grew up. That neighborhood had changed dramatically, Sally said, but not Woodgate.

Kelly was fortunate to obtain some of Sally’s cremation ashes from her brother, Walter, and I know she would be happy to know they will be interred here at the base of this tree. It is said the Japanese Maple signifies ‘great blessings and peaceful retreat.” This is perfect for Sally.”

Pat Smith read a special poem about Sally.

A significant new phase is planned for the Pocket Park this year, including a formal name, a water fountain and doggy watering station, additional plantings and, eventually, a swinging bench and walking path. These can be commemorative. Contact Chris Inger at (850) 339-5074 for details.