Category Overview
Local Parks grants help protect these symbols of vibrant communities, providing places for families to gather and play and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in an era when people spend increasing amounts of their time inside. The WWRP is the largest source of local parks funding in Washington, helping communities fund the acquisition, development, and renovation of vital recreation areas and green spaces.
Project Highlights
The goal of this project was to bring a piece of “Skateable pop art” to our park that would draw in visitors from other areas and get our small community excited about the new addition to our park. The designer wanted it to be truly skateable, allowing proper flow from each piece for skateboards, scooters and even roller skating, while encompassing his passion and true functionality. It had to be designed in such a way that it would be seen from the road and that the art itself was clear on what it was intended to be. With hundreds of hours of volunteer time, on evenings, weekends, and between other jobs, meticulously hand-forming the “frying pan” and handle, with custom cuts and an eye for detail. This piece is truly custom and each part of it required forms that were made onsite. Once the area was prepped, we quickly realized that the design would have to change slightly to allow drainage and that a “cut-out” in the frying pan would be necessary for this. This cut-out was a design blessing in disguise. Grindeline was careful about the placement of this cut-out and placed it so that drivers on the highway and trail walkers a clear view into the deep black pan, that would eventually expose the contents of the pan, without taking away function from the skate design. The design and concrete stain on the frying pan also allows the pan to blend into the surrounding area and gives contrast to the contents. The items in the frying pan were no easy feat. Each piece would have to be hand-formed with gravel and custom forms. The bacon had to be formed with more custom formwork, rebar, and gravel mounds. The gravel mounds would eventually be pulled out from under it and exposing a wavy piece of what appears to be crisp bacon that blends masterfully in with the base of the pan. The eggs as well required free forming and hours of labor to perfect them so they couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. With every pour, a large tarp system was erected, spanning the entirety of the pan, rigged with pulleys and ratchets to secure the overhead covering, and protect the incoming concrete that was pumped from nearby trucks. No detail was spared in the design and construction of this piece of art. It came alive with each piece of forming that was removed and as the colors and stains were added. It’s eye-catching, without standing out of place, nestled against a tree covered hillside. This piece has caught so much local attention over the last several months, and now that it is officially open, it has attracted many visitors from near and far.