How Phillip Snoxell saved a stump

For four years, the stump in Langford Park has been a regular meeting place for students at St. Anthony Park Elementary School.

They play games near it. They run around it. They jump off it.

A couple of weeks ago, the city of St. Paul planned to grind it into sawdust.

That didn't sit well with 10-year-old Phillip Snoxell.

"I told my dad, and my dad said there wasn't much we could do," said Phillip, who is about to enter the fourth grade. "I came up with the idea of petitions."

Phillip dictated. His dad, Jim, typed.

More than 30 kids and parents signed the petition, and Phillip sent it and a letter to Mayor Chris Coleman, Council Member Russ Stark and Parks and Recreation Director Bob Bierscheid.

This letter caught Coleman's eye, and he called Bierscheid to see what could be done. If it's safe, the mayor said, it should stay.

The stump at one time was a full-grown basswood tree, about 50 or 60 years old. Four years ago it became infested with bees that stung several people. The city tried to get rid of the bees, but the only successful way was to cut the tree down.

No more bees. No more tree. But a glorious stump.

A perfect location

The stump isn't far from the picnic tables, which aren't far from the bandstand.

Usually the city removes stumps for safety or aesthetic reasons. Now and again folks will request that a stump stay put, say in a boulevard garden, but this might be the first plea to save a stump for playtime, said Brad Meyer, parks and rec spokesman.

Indeed, the stump is in fine shape and poses no health risks, by parks and rec's estimation.

Good news with a coda

On July 31, Bierscheid sent Phillip an e-mail telling him that the stump would stay.

"We are thrilled that you enjoy using the park and from now on, that will be officially referred to as 'Phillip's Stump.'"

Phillip, understandably, was thrilled to learn the news.

"I was so happy when it happened, I couldn't believe it," he said. "And it happened so quickly."

Every stump should be so lucky.