WHAT IS “ARBOR PARK”?
Arbor Park, located in historic downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota, on South 4th Street, was created in 200 – 2001 after the flood of 1997. Most of the workers were disadvantaged youth.
Grand Forks commissioned the signature Tree Arbor sculpture for $50,000. It is made of bronze and the two artists who created it (Heidi Hoy – heidihoyart.com – and Nick Legeros - nikosculpture.com) developed the concept for the park around it.
The arbor sits on a hill with paths flowing around it, representing the rivers that separate – and join – Grand Forks, North Dakota, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota. The arbor represents the ruins of past cultures, honoring what once had existed, and their idea was to use art to heal from the flood.
The stones and metal pieces are from buildings demolished after the flood, and some stones are from old cobblestone streets of years gone by.
The large hand sculpture is called Guardian, by Sam Spiczka (sculptorsam.com), and the modern sculpture is called Spin Me, by local artist David Badman (badman.com) who has a studio on Soauth aThird Street in Grand Forks. These all represent hope rising from the ruins.
The School of Fish were coordinated by Grand Forks artist Adam Kemp (www.jadamkemp.com), who worked with people of all ages from many countries and backgrounds, and the fish are their creations.
The streetlights are salvaged pieces, lighting the way from the past to the future.
Many of the perennial flowers planted in the park were saved from old neighborhoods torn down to make room for the floodway. The paved path leading towards Third Street continues even through the alley, with simulated pavers imprinted onto the concrete.
The park, with its mature trees and plantings, is a sculpture in itself – a true work of art and is the manifestation of a true, real “renaissance” of creativity and hope after a devastating natural disaster, an inspiration and a key to the spirit and imagination of the people of Grand Forks.
The neighborhood merchants and businesses and many citizens have carefully maintained this lovely park since its inception, with generosity and dedication.as of this writing. If you have not signed it, please visit Arbor Park (while you still can!) and then step into Browning Arts and sign it. If you would like to do more, visit our contact page. We need letters and attendance at meetings and people to carry our petition. Saving Arbor Park will be another labor of love and another chapter in the history of Grand Forks. If you want to be a part of this, we welcome your talent and industry as we continue to battle for our park.a