City Changes Course on Tree Planting at McKaig-Race Park
Vol. III, No. 175 - Residents and Leaders Speak Out Against 100 Trees at McKaig-Race Park
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In a clear example of citizen voices shaping local government, the City of Troy recently adjusted its tree-planting plans at McKaig & Race Park after hearing concerns from residents. The change came thanks to the advocacy of two local property owners; both Miami County Commissioner Ted Mercer and council-member elect Madison Hickman, who spoke up on behalf of neighbors eager to preserve open space for children and families in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the community.
McKaig & Race Park has long served as a neighborhood gathering place and a quiet green space just west of downtown Troy. For years, the park has stood as a symbol of Troy’s partnership with Japanese companies and its Sister City of Takahashi, Japan. Former Mayor Mike Beamish and the Troy Park Board first envisioned it as a “passive park” more than a decade ago—a peaceful area designed to showcase the friendship between Troy and its sister city in Japan. An outside group, Operation 2000 Cherry Trees coordinated the planting of 50 Japanese Yoshino cherry trees and 50 Ivory Silk Japanese lilac trees, with support from The Troy Foundation.
More recently, a plan was developed to build on that vision by adding 100 new trees at McKaig & Race Park—an impressive goal that reflected both community pride and Troy’s 39-year history as a Tree City USA. Seventy of those new trees were planted when nearby residents began to worry that the remaining phase of plantings would cover most of the open field in the middle of the park. For families living in the Historic District, that grassy area serves as an all-purpose playground—a rare open spot where children play soccer, tag, kickball, or simply run free.
Neighbors began reaching out to city officials when they noticed marking flags spread across the park’s open center. Among those who listened closely was Madison Hickman, the incoming Third Ward representative on City Council. Hickman heard directly from many families who felt blindsided by the number of new trees being installed. During a recent City Council session, she raised the issue publicly, explaining that the neighborhood has few open green spaces left and that residents wanted a balanced approach that preserved both natural beauty and recreational use.
Hickman’s message was clear: decisions about public parks should reflect how people actually use them. The youngest Troy residents, she explained, need places to play—and neighbors deserve to have their voices heard.
Commissioner Ted Mercer, who lives just a block from the park, joined the effort. After walking the site and seeing the new markers himself, Mercer said it looked as if the tree planting would “take up all the open space.” He brought his concerns to city leadership, asking them to pause and reconsider before completing the project. Mercer stated that while he supports Troy’s ongoing beautification efforts, he wanted to make sure the park’s open play area would remain available for children “to kick the ball” and enjoy neighborhood recreation.
Their advocacy made a difference. While Troy remains committed to its long tradition of tree preservation and partnership through Operation 2000 Cherry Trees, the city also recognizes McKaig & Race Park’s unique role as an active space for families.
As a result, the remaining 30 trees will now be planted at Duke Park’s Robinson Reserve instead. Park Superintendent Jeremy Drake also identified two larger areas within McKaig & Race Park that will stay open for games and future playground equipment. This adjustment honors both Troy’s heritage as a Tree City and the community’s desire for open recreation spaces within the Historic District.
Hickman later expressed her appreciation on social media, saying she was grateful to see the city respond directly to the concerns of residents. Mercer echoed that sentiment, crediting the outcome to neighbors who took the time to speak up and attend public meetings.
The resolution at McKaig & Race Park stands as a reminder that effective governance starts with listening—and that persistent, respectful advocacy can lead to real results. Through the efforts of Commissioner Ted Mercer and Council-member elect Madison Hickman, Troy residents saw firsthand how collaboration can shape the future of their neighborhoods. As Troy continues its work on the upcoming Parks Master Plan, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and help guide the city’s vision for parks that serve everyone—young and old alike.
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