WORK BEGINS THIS WEEK TO REBUILD PARK’S TREE TOWER

Crews this week will begin reconstructing a popular tree tower and observation deck that closed more than a year ago because of safety concerns.

The Cox Arboretum MetroPark Tree Tower closed in September 2016 after soft spots were discovered in the wood of the 65-foot tall structure, which is supported by three beams.

The damage, caused by fungal disease, threatened the stability of the tower, and Five Rivers MetroParks closed it and later approved spending about $390,465 to repair and replace the support beams.

“The safety and enjoyment of our visitors is a top priority,” said Carrie Scarff, MetroParks chief of planning and projects, in a statement.

The tower, which originally cost about $475,000 to build, opened in October 2012 and was paid through a partnership with the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation and Five Rivers MetroParks.

Contractors will install new logs and braces and will reassemble other parts of the original structure that have been in storage, MetroParks said.

Except for barriers around the tower site, the visitor experience at the arboretum will not be affected, officials said.

Construction will occur during the winter months, and the completion date will depend on the weather.

“We have worked diligently to restore this iconic structure to its original beauty and ensure the tree tower can be enjoyed by the public for many years to come,” Scarff said.

TY GREENLEES / STAFF The Cox Arboretum Observation Tree Tower, shown in April 2016, was closed five months later after weak spots in the structure caused by a fungal disease were discovered. Repair work to repair and replace the support beams on the 65-foot-tall tower is...

Five Rivers MetroParks is spending about $390,000 on repairs to the Cox Arboretum tree tower. Completion date depends on the weather.