A new tree initiative gives Whitehouse residents and businesses a chance to contribute to the city’s baseball/softball complex.

The complex, located on about 19 acres at Farm-to-Market Road 346 and County Road 2133, is undergoing a reconstruction project that includes completion of playing fields, a new rest room facility, landscaping, drainage work and new lighting.

Community members can be part of this project by donating a tree in honor or in memory of someone, such as a family member, coach or former player, Whitehouse Parks and Recreation Director Don Branam said.

For instance, he said he plans to donate a tree for his grandchildren.

Branam said each tree will be accompanied by a sign that indicates who donated the tree and who it was donated for.

He said the 7-foot Shumard Red Oak trees, to be planted by Petty’s Irrigation and Landscape, will be placed along the entrance and in other areas.

The cost to donate a tree is $135.

Branam hopes to get at least 35 trees donated, and as of Tuesday morning, he had 20. He anticipates that the trees will be planted in January and February.

“We’re trying to give the citizens of Whitehouse an opportunity to be part of this complex (and) making it look beautiful,” he said.

The complex project is expected to be completed next year.

When it is complete, the city will maintain the facility and oversee finances while the league will be involved with things such as registration, scheduling and concessions, according to a news release.

In the end, Whitehouse Baseball/Softball League President Sherry Frelke has said the project will provide an upgraded facility that everyone can be proud of.

For more information on donating a tree, call Branam at 903-839-4914 ext. 227.