Spearheaded by Claremont’s Community Services Department, 20 trees were planted at Padua Avenue Park on Saturday as part of the city’s Arbor Day festivities.

Players, coaches and families from Claremont American Youth Soccer Organization Region 3, and staff from Claremont’s Community Services Department and West Coast Arborists planted 12 sycamores, four maidenhairs, and four Southern live oaks at the 4200 Padua Ave. park.

(L-R) Claremont AYSO United Girls 2012 players Peregrine Hodge and Holly Feezell plant a tree Saturday at Padua Avenue Park. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

(L-R) Carmen Garcia, Emeri Doshay, and Coyle Hodge watch Saturday as West Coast Arborist’s Alonso Garcia and City of Claremont arborist Rich Hecker set a tree in place at Padua Avenue Park. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

The saplings will add to Claremont’s tree canopy, benefit wildlife, and capture carbon, according to Richard Hecker, an arborist and landscape supervisor with the City of Claremont.

“So, long term goal — five, 10, 15, 20 years out — the whole purpose of planting trees in the center is so, future players and families can have a nice shady area when they’re playing, and waiting for the game to start,” Hecker said.