Groundbreaking

[Padre]

I was watching the coverage of the groundbreaking at Crossroads, and something occurred to me. Why do modern groundbreaking ceremonies look like everyone is digging into a garden planter?

The idea of doing a groundbreaking is that you are actually symbolically starting the project, with that first shovel full of earth. Now it just looks like you can pick everything up, and take it back to Lowe’s!

[zippy]

Not an answer, but a reminiscence: My mom had a shovel that was smaller than usual. It had a gold/bronze blade. I once asked her about it, and it had come from the ground breaking for the Dome (Building IV) at Mutual of Omaha, where my father had worked.

[damonhynes]

I was watching the coverage of the groundbreaking at Crossroads, and something occurred to me. Why do modern groundbreaking ceremonies look like everyone is digging into a garden planter?

The idea of doing a groundbreaking is that you are actually symbolically starting the project, with that first shovel full of earth. Now it just looks like you can pick everything up, and take it back to Lowe’s!

Agreed. Style over substance.

[Brad]

Many times they are now done in a parking lot so they don't need to worry about trip hazards, dust, and everything that goes along with a construction site. The dirt is usually really loose so no effort is needed to "break" it. Its all symbolic anyways.

[nebugeater]

Many times they are now done in a parking lot so they don't need to worry about trip hazards, dust, and everything that goes along with a construction site. The dirt is usually really loose so no effort is needed to "break" it. Its all symbolic anyways.

In addition, construction has often started by the time there is a groundbreaking, so there is equipment and materials to maneuver around too.

[Dusty]

Many times they are now done in a parking lot so they don't need to worry about trip hazards, dust, and everything that goes along with a construction site. The dirt is usually really loose so no effort is needed to "break" it. Its all symbolic anyways.

Seems like way too much work to just to build a frame to hold a few bags of dirt on a surface lot.

Maybe they can come up with a new groundbreaking tradition. Everyone can go slap the side of the excavator for good luck. Then it can knock down a sign or dig a random hole to make it official.

[ricko]

Or they could just christen an excavator with a bottle of cheap champagne.

[Busguy2010]

Or they could just christen an excavator with a bottle of cheap champagne.

Hmm, I like that. Way less cheesy.

[Padre]

Ceremonial groundbreaking at MCC Sarpy County.

This is exactly what I was talking about. The “ceremonial” groundbreaking was done in a conference room! I’m all in favor of symbolism, but to truly be symbolic, it should be done well. Maybe we do need a new tradition, for a “modern” age.

[nebugeater]

Ceremonial groundbreaking at MCC Sarpy County.

This is exactly what I was talking about. The “ceremonial” groundbreaking was done in a conference room! I’m all in favor of symbolism, but to truly be symbolic, it should be done well. Maybe we do need a new tradition, for a “modern” age.

But then they have to struggle to get the dozer and backhoe into the conference room for the photo op!!!

[skinzfan23]

This one I understand some due to all the rain recently and the field is very wet, but they still could have held it on the perimeter. The outdoor ones where they are on site, but choose to do the box when the worksite is right behind them is so weird.