It was back in May when we posted on the near completion of the 18th Street Community Park totems (see post). At that point, the revolving totem gates had not yet been constructed by UB Professor Brad Wales and his students, nor had the concrete finger totems that would eventually extend out into the park (flush with the ground) taken shape.
After stopping by the park yesterday, I was psyched to see that the two gates have been installed. The spinning mechanism used, allows the gates to spin effortlessly – they even move when the wind catches them. Since the totem gates allow access between the park and Urban Roots Garden Cooperative, there will be a locking feature added to secure the co-op’s yard as needed. In coordination with the effort, neighborhood kids have been working with artist Nancy Gabriel to design more ceramic tiles that will be add color to the totems (many tiles are already in place).
To top off the project, benches will be constructed, along with horseshoe pits and a chess table or two. This park is turning out to be even sweeter than I had originally anticipated… the energy that has gone into it thus far is contagious, and the proximity to other progressive endeavors (such as the proposed Green ‘energy’ demonstration park) is an added bonus. To see more of UB Professor Brad Wales’ Small Built Works projects, and their exact locations, click here.
