Arborist Bruce Mighton has retired after a 30-year career focused on making the Town of Snowflake beautiful.

“I think that his legacy is making Snowflake greener and more beautiful for future generations,” said Reed Gerkin, who worked for Mighton.

Mighton was honored at the Oct. 28 Snowflake Town Council meeting for all he has done for the town.

He started work for Snowflake in 1984 and was the town’s first park superintendent. He has been through six town managers and eight mayors. “It’s been great,” he said.

Under Mighton’s supervision, new sprinkler systems with automatic controls have been installed at every park, ball field, the cemetery and town hall.

He expanded Pioneer Park, putting in ramadas and basketball courts, and revamped the whole park to rebuilt handicap accessibility. Under his leadership the racquetball courts were rebuilt and new fencing was installed.

Mighton thanked Kirk Brimhall for all the work he did for the cemetery expansion project, donating his time and equipment.

T-ball fields were built with funds from the Apache Tribe, and Mighton was instrumental in designing and building them.

The skate park was built at Fredrickson Park and new playground equipment was installed.

Mighton was also instrumental in working with the engineers and architect landscapers for the Frontier Drive project.

With the help of Ron Smith and Mitch Farr, they designed the irrigation system for the whole Centennial Fields complex and the work was done by Mighton’s crew.

He has planted 300 trees, 720 shrubs, and laid miles and miles of pipe during his time at Snowflake.

“I couldn’t have done it without my crew. They’ve been great. They’re hard working people,” said Mighton. “They’re the ones that keep this park department going.”

“Bruce has always been a tree lover and he’s always worked hard to make that happen,” said Councilman Kerry Ballard. He noted that Flake Willis also loved trees and would donate money every year to the town to purchase them. Mighton would decide what kind of trees to plant and where to plant them. “He made us a Tree City for 15 years,” said Ballard, noting that because of Mighton’s efforts, other cities have hired arborists.

Gary Fenstermaker, retired public works director, noted that for several years Mighton was the only arborist on the mountain.

“It will be nice every time you come into town to see what you’ve provided the community,” said Fenstermaker. “It will live on forever.”

The council presented Mighton with a plaque and an iPad, and Ballard presented him with a small shovel for work he will be doing in his greenhouse.