City Park calls its collection of 30,000 trees its most treasured asset, with some of the park’s storied oak trees dating back 750 to 900 years.
But none may be as beloved as the Singing Oak, which with its wind chimes including one that is 14 feet long rings a pentatonic (five notes per octave) scale upon every breeze.
Located adjacent to Big Lake near the intersection of Wisner Boulevard and Lelong Drive, the oak is one of the most popular and relaxing gathering spots in the park, but the frequency of usage has caused damaged to its exposed roots. Park officials think a sitting deck surrounding the tree could help protect the roots and enhance the tree’s aesthetics.