Bayliss Park

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eomaha
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Bayliss Park

Post by eomaha »

Residents will rank Bayliss Park ideas

COUNCIL BLUFFS - Residents will get another chance to have their say on the future of Bayliss Park.

Planners will present images during a public workshop of park elements - primarily fountains and performance spaces - from across the country.

Residents will rank the elements, moving the city a step closer to creating a new master plan for the park.

"The workshop will be a real critical step in determining the community's perception of what a fountain should look like and what should be in the park," said Ron Hopp, city parks director.

The city decided earlier this summer not to turn on the Bayliss Park fountain, a community landmark, because of safety concerns about its aging pipes and electrical works.

The city surveyed residents about how they used the park and what they wanted to see there.

Those who responded to the survey indicated that they wanted the fountain replaced. A citizens steering committee kicked off the master planning effort last week by prioritizing park uses and facilities and calling for the public participation workshop.

The planning process is being funded by local donors, who contributed a total of $25,000. A master plan would require City Council approval.

Hopp said the city hopes to unveil concepts for the park during Autumn in the Bluffs, a community celebration scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26.

The casino-funded Iowa West Foundation has pledged to work with the city to save the fountain. The foundation plans to decide on a grant amount after the city finalizes its plans.


• What: Bayliss Park public workshop
• When: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7
• Where: Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave.

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Bayliss Park to get a facelift

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High-tech fountain, performance area proposed for Bayliss Park

COUNCIL BLUFFS - A space where children could splash and play and water jets that keep time to music performed on a nearby stage are envisioned in the preliminary concept for rejuvenating Bayliss Park and replacing its fountain.

The concept would bring enhancements rather than major changes to the downtown park, which is a popular destination for community events.

The fountain would feature new technology, with state-of-the-art jets and lighting. Instead of a central spire, the fountain would feature five sculptures on pedestals, each ringed with its own set of water jets.

The new plaza, fountain and adjacent performance area with its raised stage would occupy the same space taken up by the existing fountain and plaza.

Many residents who provided input during the planning process did not want to see a large stage or bandstand, said Ron Hopp, the city's parks director.

"They don't want it to take up any more of the park or compete visually with the fountain," he said.

The performance area would be incorporated into the west side of the plaza.

A small, interactive water feature - safe for children to drink from - would be on the north. On the east, plans call for a child-scale piece of "touchable" art. Suggested subjects have included a family of black squirrels or turtles.

Also included in the plan are better connections between the fountain and the Veterans Plaza monument and new entry features and walks.

No cost estimate has been developed yet, Hopp said.

A citizen committee hopes to complete work on the park master plan and send it to the City Planning Commission Oct. 12. The master plan would require City Council approval.

Image

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A new fountain suggested for Bayliss Park would have state-of-the-art jets that spurt in time to music performed nearby. It would feature five sculptures on pedestals, each ringed with its own set of water jets.
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Bayliss Park fountain update

Post by eomaha »

Omaha World Herald wrote: Bayliss Park fountain's price tag: $4.8 million

COUNCIL BLUFFS - The City Council's master plan for Bayliss Park now has a price tag.

A state-of-the-art fountain, together with a play area for children, a performance area and other park renovations would cost about $4.8 million, said Ron Hopp, city parks director.

The estimate represents the use of top-quality materials, including granite for all the exposed fountain parts and walls, based on the community's desire that the park be done well, he said.

Now the city and a citizens committee that has been working on park plans will explore what funding might be available, he said. That will dictate what pieces of the plan become reality.

The work probably would be done in phases, with the fountain and surrounding plaza in the first phase. Artwork, sidewalks connecting to Veterans Plaza and landscaping could follow.

The new features would replace the existing fountain, a local landmark that wasn't turned on last summer because of safety concerns.
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Iowa West Foundation gives $2.1M for Bayliss Park

Post by eomaha »

Daily Nonpareil wrote: Iowa West offers $2.1M for park project

Less than a week after the Iowa West Foundation announced $6.2 million in grants to benefit 64 nonprofit projects and programs, the foundation today announced a $2.1 million challenge grant to the city of Council Bluffs for the Bayliss Park Fountain and Plaza project.

The city will need to raise matching funds of more than $1.4 million to secure the foundation grant, which will be used for site preparation and construction portions of the project.

"This is an important public space in the region," said Todd Graham, executive director of the Iowa West Foundation. "The renovation of this landmark park and fountain will preserve an important attraction for residents and visitors for many generations."

Word of the grant was greeted with enthusiasm at City Hall.

"I'm ecstatic with the generosity of the Iowa West Foundation," city Parks Director Ron Hopp said. "This demonstrates their commitment to being a partner in the process. This demonstrates that there are organizations and individuals that want to see the project done."

The City Council last month cited funding concerns when it delayed a vote on whether to allow the park's renovation to continue. That has now changed, Hopp said.

"This will allow us to begin the process and move along as quickly as possible." he said.

The city has already set aside $600,000 for the renovation project. Recent discussions Hopp said he's had with Mayor Tom Hanafan and the citizens committee overseeing the renovation process have indicated that various fund raisers will be pursued for additional funds.

"We'll see what funds those bring in and hopefully that can make up the difference," Hopp said.

"It's great news," Hanafan said. "The best news we could have. Iowa West has stepped up on the project."

The City Council last month approved a master plan for Bayliss Park and its disabled fountain. However it delayed a vote a few weeks later on whether to fund the design work of the master plan pending information on what funds were available.

Hanafan said he might call a special council meeting before the end of the year to cast a new vote because of these new available funds.

City officials in May announced that the park's fountain would be shut down because of safety concerns. Those include corroded pipes that could burst and spill water into an area that houses the fountain's controls and the park's electrical service.

A process involving public input later resulted in a new master plan for the fountain and park that calls for a new five-column fountain surrounding a pedestal with a sculpture on top. A new fountain court will have 16 openings instead of the current four to more closely link the fountain to the surrounding green space.

A permanent raised stage would be added to the west side of the park, child-sized touchable art would be installed on the east side, additional planting space would be added behind the Veterans Plaza and a new walkway would connect that area to Fountain Plaza.

The plaza around the fountain would be the same size as the current one, though the pavement would be darker.

The Iowa West Foundation grant includes $700,000 for the installation of public art in Bayliss Park. An earlier Iowa West grant provided funding for a public art and master planning process.

"Bayliss Park came out No. 1 as the most appropriate place for public art in Council Bluffs," Graham said.

Iowa West made the grant without putting a time limit on the city to complete the match. Graham said the funding was provided in the form of a challenge grant because the foundation likes to see commitment from grant recipients and the feeling that the Bayliss Park project can generate additional support.

The foundation will be flexible in working with the city as it matches portions of the grant, as long as there is not compromise in the quality of the renovation plan, Graham said.
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CB council approves plan for Bayliss improvements

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Omaha World Herald wrote: Bayliss fountain plans advance

COUNCIL BLUFFS - Plans for a new Bayliss Park fountain are headed for the drawing board.

The Council Bluffs City Council authorized an agreement Thursday with RDG Planning and Design to design and engineer improvements at the park, including a new fountain and plaza.

The council also approved seeking funds for the project through a state tourism grant program.

The design and engineering contract is part of the estimated $3.5 million price tag for a proposed first phase of improvements at the park. The first phase makes up the bulk of the $4.8 million in upgrades proposed in a park master plan.

If the design schedule goes as planned and funds are raised, ground could be broken as early as June.

The landmark fountain was not turned on last summer because of concerns about aging pipes and electrical works.

Last week, the casino-funded Iowa West Foundation announced a $2.1 million challenge grant to the city for the project.

The city would have to raise $1.4 million to match the foundation's commitment of $1.4 million for the first phase of site preparation and construction of the fountain and plaza. The foundation also would provide $700,000 for the installation of public art in the park.

The city has included $600,000 for the first phase of work in next year's budget. That leaves $800,000 to raise.

Ron Hopp, city parks director, said the city has begun investigating ways to raise the additional funds.

"We're pretty confident we'll find the remaining dollars for implementation, so getting the design process started hopefully will lead to construction," he said.
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Official: Bayliss Park Renovation

Post by icejammer »

Pretty good news for the City, especially considering it comes during Pride Week. Just one more quality of life project in the metro...

Bayliss project receives $750,000 in CAT funds
Last edited by icejammer on Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by loyalomahan »

I love Bayliss park and am excited about the improvements... but we're going to feel pretty dumb about all this money going into it if the pedestrian bridge comes up short a couple of million. Hopefully it won't be an issue.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

Where is Bayliss park for those of us not informed about CB?
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Post by Coyote »

Image
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Post by Brad »

I have seen it. Its the park that looks like the town center square park.
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Post by jjjjhskr »

And while you're in the area stop by the new C.B. library and Union Pacific museum. Nice additions to the Metro.
Last edited by jjjjhskr on Thu May 12, 2005 8:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by icejammer »

An easier route for most would be to take the Lake Manawa exit off I-80 and head north on the South Expressway until you hit the CBD (as shown on Coyote's map, thanks).

This weekend would be a good time to check it out, the Pride Week Parade is Saturday morning at 10, goes right past the park. My favorite part is the Pancake Man will be serving up pancakes in the park from like 8-10 am. Yum! 8)
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Post by DTO Luv »

CB Pride or Gay Pride? I didn't know CB had either.
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Post by icejammer »

DTO Luv wrote:CB Pride or Gay Pride? I didn't know CB had either.
Well, just hop on across the river and find out which it is, if you dare.... :wink:
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Post by icejammer »

Private fundraising has nearly reached it's goal, but was given an extension by the Vision Iowa board for receiving the grant. Necessary private funds are at nearly 90% of goal set by Vision Iowa (which works out to approximately $10 per every man, woman and child in the city - which for comparison, about $6 for every man, woman and child in the metro would get the ped bridge going) a mere 90 days ago. Looking good for seeing a contract awarded on the renovations yet this fall.

Vision Iowa gives nod to continue Bayliss fund drive
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Post by icejammer »

Daily Nonpareil wrote:The Bayliss Park Renovation project received rave reviews from the Council Bluffs City Council Monday night. . .

The council unanimously approved its plans and specifications, allowing for the advertisements of bids for construction. . .

Public donations to the project have already topped $700,000 as of this weekend.

"We're moving forward, our fund-raising efforts are better," Mayor Tom Hanafan said.

The opening of bids for the construction work is set for 2 p.m. on Sept. 15. The council will probably then vote for the recommended bid at its Sept. 26 meeting.
Great news for the Bayliss Park project. Sounds like somebody wants construction going the day after council awards bids, as they have recently moved the Autumn in the Bluffs festival out of the park this year (which is a mere 4 days after the contract award is scheduled).
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Post by icejammer »

Harrah's/Horseshoe Puts Bayliss Drive Over the Top
This morning the Rebuilding Bayliss Park Campaign topped its $1.15 million goal with a $100,000 contribution from Harrah's Entertainment on behalf of the new Horseshoe Casino.
Good news for the Bayliss Park drive. Now (hopefully, depending on how City Council and Mayoral elections go tomorrow night), we might see some thought being put towards raising a few dollars for the Ped Bridge over the Missouri.
Last edited by icejammer on Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
omahahawk
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Post by omahahawk »

icejammer wrote:Harrah's/Horseshoe Puts Bayliss Drive Over the Top
Good news for the Bayliss Park drive. Now (hopefully, depending on how City Council and Mayoral elections go tomorrow night), we might see some thought being put towards raising a few dollars for the Ped Bridge over the Missouri.

No doubt, if both sides are so close, hopefully somebody can pony up the cash to tip the scale on the bridge. (Iowa West Foudation, casino, whatever,) Its time.
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Post by icejammer »

Work is on-going at the park, this nice weather has certainly been a boon to the project:

Image

Bayliss fountain will get higher ground
"The old fountain was the lowest part of the park," Parks Director Ronald Hopp said. "We kept hearing from the public during the hearings that the center of the park should be the focal point, so the center will be the highest point. It will be two or three feet higher than what it was previously."

The outer edges were the highest points in the old park and, while hardly noticeable, people would walk down a foot or two by the time they reached the old fountain area, Hopp said. It will be just the opposite in the new park, he said.

and

"We're happy with the progress they've made," Hopp said. "We hope to open the park in September or October, depending on the weather."
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Post by icejammer »

Work on the park has been progressing nicely, they've installed the base of the new fountain this week. Still a lot of work to do, but I'm optimistic they'll make it by end of September. Article in today's paper talking with the project artists:

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Statues of black squirrels, the city’s symbol, will adorn the renovated Bayliss Park.

A 'unique' renovation for Bayliss
"It's a project unique in the country," he said. "There won't be anything like it anywhere. The focus was to do something special for Council Bluffs and, theoretically, people will come from far and wide to see it."

Hatcher held a public meeting this morning to discuss his contributions to the project. He and Silkworth were in the park Thursday to watch a special moment in the process - the installation of the base of the new fountain.

Not only is this a unique project in the nation, it's also, in some ways, a nationwide endeavor.

Hatcher is fabricating the artwork in his hometown of Providence, Silkworth said. Many pieces of the new fountain are being constructed in Texas, she added, with granite being quarried in South Dakota.
and, of course, the detail everyone has been looking forward to:
When completed, the new park will be home to some new black squirrels, the symbol of the city. Real black squirrels, no doubt, but also six 30-inch tall bronze models created by Hatcher.
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Post by icejammer »

New park will soothe eyes, as well as ears
In the past, concertgoers faced away from the old fountain, and some complained the gushing water hindered their ability to hear the music.

But, that's going to change when the park's renovation is complete, said Ronald Hopp, Council Bluffs parks director.

The new performance area, to be located just west of the new fountain, is being built so that concertgoers will be facing the fountain as a majestic backdrop, he said. What's more, new technology will allow the water to mimic or "be choreographed" to whatever kind of music is being performed, Hopp said, like fireworks at a patriotic music event.
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Post by icejammer »

Things are on schedule and within budget, which should keep the anti-any-kind-of-spending-on-anything crowd at bay:

Bayliss Park project on schedule
The Bayliss Park Renovation Project is more than halfway done, with 58 percent complete to be exact, according to project officials.

"Things are clipping along," said Dolores Silkworth, a project planner. "The targeted date for completion is early October and it looks like we'll meet that."
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by icejammer »

Things are about to really get crackin' on this project:

Bayliss Park Fountain to arrive soon

Image
Something special is coming to Council Bluffs this week.

It's what everybody has been waiting for - the new Bayliss Park fountain.

The fountain pieces, known as flutes, are expected to arrive Saturday afternoon with installation to start immediately, and completion set for the following Wednesday, Aug. 9, barring any last-minute schedule changes, according to a spokeswoman for Brower Hatcher, the fountain's artist.
The fountain has two flutes, an outer flute that stands about 14 feet high and an inner flute that's 20 feet high. It will be installed on the top of the cement base that's 10 feet, meaning it will tower some 30 feet in the air, said Candance Toth, spokeswoman for Hatcher's studio.

The flutes were constructed of stainless steel, accented with copper- and brass-plated hardware. Hatcher created a fountain that would majestically spout water during the summer; yet appear to be a working fountain in winter.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

I just drove by yesterday (no pictures) its looking more impressive than it does in that picture.
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Post by icejammer »

Ooops...

Fountain flutes delayed a week
Some of the pieces that were outsourced to various vendors because of their special equipment needed more time for completion, Toth said.
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Post by icejammer »

Just found this, pretty cool (although, obviously, no work is happening today)

Bayliss Park Construction Webcam
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Post by icejammer »

The fountain flutes started going up today, you can see some of the activity on the photos from today on the webcam.
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Progress continues on Bayliss Park fountain
The new Bayliss Fountain may very well usher in a new era for Council Bluffs, said the artist who created the sculpture.
The new fountain sculpture and other proposed works of public art will not only bring tourists to the city to marvel at their beauty, but encourage artists to set up roots here and perhaps make it an art town like Providence, Hatcher said.

"We hope the word gets out to artists in Omaha and Des Moines," he said. "We hope it gets out nationally."

They could set up their studios in many of the older, now vacant, buildings in the downtown area, which could stimulate more businesses to set up their own shops here, he said.
ImageInternationally known sculptor Brower Hatcher talks to the media in front of the fountain sculpture he designed for Bayliss Park.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by icejammer »

Once the winter weather breaks, the crews should be able to wrap up the remaining work at the park in short order this spring.  And looks like City Council wants to ensure they get their piece of the pie in the future:

Bayliss Park fee rises
On Monday, the City Council voted to charge $50 to rent the park for two hours. Those who want to rent the pavilion itself will be charged $100 for two hours. Renting the pavilion with its sound system for two hours will cost $150.

Parks Director Ron Hopp said the city in the past has charged only for the cost of electricity for events.
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End to Bayliss Park renovation in sight
"The last pieces of granite were installed a couple of days ago," he said. "The project is essentially done, just for a few miscellaneous items to be addressed in the spring. We'll be ready to go in the spring."

Workers braved the cold weather every working day in the last three weeks to complete the renovation, Hopp said. All that remains is some minor electrical work, some caulking in the plaza, new sodding in a few places and the installation of those black squirrel figures, he said. . .

A committee has been formed to create a "Grand Opening" ceremony, probably for late April, Hopp said. Nothing has been finalized, but Hopp guessed there might a band, some other entertainment and recognition of the many people who put so much time and money into this renovation.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by icejammer »

Work is about wrapped up... :D

New Bayliss fountain to debut April 28

Image
Providence, R.I., artist Brower Hatcher designed the bronze squirrel sculptures and park furniture that will be featured in the renovated Bayliss Park. Hatcher also designed the park’s centerpiece fountain sculpture and the domed performance area.
The stage is being set for one of the biggest premieres in Council Bluffs' history.

The official opening of the new Bayliss Park will occur April 28 at 7 p.m., said Ronald Hopp, the city's parks director.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by Big E »

Look at the size of that squirrel's nuts!   [/rimshot]

:lol:

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Post by icejammer »

Bayliss project blends old, new
Council Bluffs residents had an opportunity to get a sneak preview of the holiday lighting display being planned for the newly renovated Bayliss Park during a meeting at the Council Bluffs Public Library Monday night.

"We wanted a blend of the old and the new," said Arlo Burk, a member of this year's Leadership Council Bluffs class. "We wanted something as beautiful by day as by night, and we wanted something totally unique to Council Bluffs." . . .

Burk said current plans call for lighted 4-foot Christmas trees to line the sidewalks leading from the park's corners toward the fountain.

Illuminated 5-foot ornaments would be created and hung from the park's largest trees, Burk said. The trees would also be decorated with miniature white lights. The next group of slightly smaller trees would be decorated with 3-foot ornaments. The park's smallest trees would have miniature white lights wrapped around their trunks and carried into the branches.

"Every tree in the park would have some sort of decoration," Burk said.

The park's centerpiece fountain, which is illuminated by colored light-emitting diodes, would not be decorated, relying instead on the sculpture's variable lighting. . .
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by icejammer »

Everything is ready to go, and it is looking great!

Bayliss Park dedication starts at 7 p.m. Saturday
After three years of fundraising effort and construction, the renovated Bayliss Park will officially be dedicated Saturday. The evening's festivities will begin at 7 p.m. with a free concert by the Bluffs Big Band . . .
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

--William Jennings Bryan
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Post by icejammer »

[center]Image
If you look really, really close, you can see me!

Bayliss' rebirth a spectacle
More than 1,000 people joined public officials, Bayliss Park fountain fundraisers, fountain donors and the artist as the new fountain was officially turned on Saturday in what master of ceremony Bill Ramsey called "the people's park." . . .

The shirt-sleeve-weather audience joined Mayor Tom Hanafan and Parks, Recreation and Public Property Director Ronald Hopp in a countdown to turn on the highly anticipated fountain. When the gathering hit one, a spray of water emerged from the central flute, cascading down the brick sides. Then the fountain erupted in water, mimicking the audience's bursts of applause.

Colored lights hit the sprays as the sun went down. To the north, children stood on top of water sprays shooting up from the bricks of the interactive fountain in the children's play area. Parents and artist Brower Hatcher's black squirrel sculptures looked on.
Image
Water cascades down the cobblestones at the base of the fountain that serves as the centerpiece of the newly dedicated Bayliss Park. The fountain was officially turned on at the conclusion of the dedication.[/center]
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

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Post by DTO Luv »

That's a cool looking fountain. I saw the park a few weeks ago when they were still working on it.
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Post by icejammer »

It is a cool looking fountain.  And hopefully a very popular one at that.

I see the OWH did their usual drive-by reporting...this Kuiper guy should be ashamed to collect his check...

Bayliss Park picnic-perfect after years of renovations
A cloudless sky mixed with warm weather made it a perfect Saturday in the park.

Throw in the Bluffs Big Band belting out tunes like "Straight, No Chaser," and the three-year renovation of Bayliss Park seemed a hit for about 200 people who gathered to celebrate the park's rededication. . .
At least the local TV media made up for the OWH's pathetic coverage.  This WOWT story has a pretty decent shot of the fountain at night, so you can get the full effect, if you missed the story Saturday night.

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/7241121.html
Last edited by icejammer on Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
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TitosBuritoBarn
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Post by TitosBuritoBarn »

Wow, that's a really cool park. I will need to come check it out...those gigantic squirrels alone are worth the visit.
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Brad
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Adam
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Post by Adam »

I went down and checked it out last night.  There were a ton of people out enjoying the nice weather.  The fountain is really neat to see at night.  If you're planning to go see it, I would suggest heading down there right around dusk.
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