Robbin Bumbry remembered with tree planting at Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex

QUINCY — The City of Quincy’s annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony took place Friday, Dec. 9 at the Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex, 701 N. Eighth. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup was joined by members of the Quincy Tree Commission, the Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex’s Board of Directors and the public for the planting of an ivory silk lilac tree.

Chuck Bevelheimer, Quincy’s Director of Planning & Development, said this tree was planted in honor of Robbin Bumbry, who died in 2012. He was the son of Helen Bumbry and the late Ben Bumbry, Jr. Bevelheimer said a previous memorial tree for Robbin Bumbry had been removed from the swimming complex, so its board of directors contacted the city about planting a new tree.

“The Quincy Tree Commission saw this as an excellent opportunity to not only recognize the city’s commitment to Arbor Day and to the planting of trees but also to help the community remember someone who was dedicated to the Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex,” Bevelheimer said in a press release.

Marissa Radcliffe, executive director of the swimming complex, called Friday a “wonderful day” for the pool and the neighborhood.

“I would like to thank the City of Quincy and the Quincy Tree Commission for being so proactive and making this possible,” Radcliffe said. “We are proud to honor Robbin Bumbry in such a beautiful way. It is the philanthropy of people like Robbin that has kept Jackson-Lincoln Swimming Complex operating for 25 years and makes our future in this community brighter.”

Radcliffe said the Quincy High School Class of 1977, Bumbry’s graduating class, will donate a plaque to commemorate the tree.

Last year’s commemorative Arbor Day tree planting took place along the Bill Klingner Trail.

The annual Arbor Day tree planting is a contributing factor Quincy being named a Tree City USA, a designation the city has received for 36 years. The Arbor Day Foundation also presented the city with a Growth Award last year for its tree planting and conservation efforts.