Edmond Life and Leisure - June 23, 2022

A Crown Jewel of Edmond

Work on family art park continues

By Ray Hibbard Publisher Edmond Life and Leisure

Work being done on land on Second Street just west of Coltrane here in Edmond has grabbed the curiosity of many Edmond residents. Although the work and project have not been a secret, supporters of this project are now ready to unveil the scope and full nature of what is being developed.

As we reported last August, a long time Edmond art lover and philanthropic resident came to Edmond attorney Randel Shadid and wanted help to purchase a piece of land he owned an option on. His vision for the piece of land was to build a sculpture park for Edmond to enjoy and have access. Shadid had been thinking about such a park himself but had a different piece of land in mind. It was a family-owned ranch with an incredible history as a horse ranch and Shadid thought would be a better fit for such a park.

A couple of years later, the land was purchased. The plan was for the property to be operated through a foundation much like the Gathering Place in Tulsa. It was hoped that many characteristics of this new park would be like the Gathering Place but not to that scale. The Gathering Place is a 100-acre piece of land along the Riverfront in Tulsa that was completed in 2018.

Progress has continued on the Edmond property. Dirt work and pad sites have been cleared for the sculptures. The property owner has now brought together the “dream team” including Scott Howard of HFSD Landscape Architecture to do the layout and planning of the entire 62 acres. Rand Elliott is the architect for the buildings that will go on the property. Ackerman McQueen, an internationally recognized advertising agency based in Oklahoma City, will help provide communications and branding support. Without a doubt, this is a first-class park that will eventually be turned over to the city of Edmond and run by the foundation much like The Gathering Place.

The property is now called The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park. There have been over 30 sculptures purchased for the property with private donations. A piece titled “Valley of the Horses” done by sculpture Paul Moore will greet visitors as they enter the park. Admission to the park is expected to be free to the public. This project will become a crown jewel of Edmond.

Features will include play areas for the kids, event meadows, a dog park, ponds, splash pad, trails, and an amphitheater for small events. It is hoped that the trail system at The Uncommon Ground will tie into the City of Edmond Spring Creek trail which continues to other parts of the community. On the site of the original home for the family horse farm is going to be the visitor center. It will be called the Glass House and as the other buildings on the property is designed by Elliot. Another great area is called the Horseshoe Pavilion will feature picnic tables, seating and outdoor fire pits for evening activities.

Elliot has taken not only the history of the old ranch into account for his design work but also the importance of the Cross Timbers Forest. It has a good amount of history and importance and much of the land will preserve that forest. One of the sculptures purchased is call the Birds Nest. It will be in the middle of the round about that is at the front of the property. Visitors will be able to climb to the top of the piece which will give them a view above the tree line and enable them to see a true birds view of the property.

Thousands of new trees will be planted in the park replacing many of the existing diseased or fallen trees. The removed trees are being made into wood chips to be used for walking paths and mulch. A plan for sustainable tree growth and maintenance will be implemented. The plan is to include locally produced/sourced trees, plantings, and other materials as available within the State of Oklahoma. Various sizes and color of stone will be utilized in retaining walls, pathways and as inert mulch in planting beds. Perennial flowers will be planted for seasonal color and to pollinate for a natural habitat.

There are restaurant sites as part of the plan overlooking the small lake and park. Discussions are taking place now with different local restaurant groups as to what would be a good fit for the area. There is no doubt that the restaurants selected will be as well thought out as the planning for the entire park.

The Uncommon Ground team made a presentation to a city council workshop last week to update them on their progress. The group will look to the city for participation in the form of infrastructure and future development. The sculpture park is bound to be a big economic draw for around the state to folks coming to Edmond.

The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park is committed to being a good neighbor. The planning has considered the community’s lifestyle as well as considerate of the land/sustainability. Existing structures on site will be renovated where possible. For example, the historic horse barn will be repurposed as the equipment maintenance barn. Recycled steel pipe will be repurposed for structures and Corten steel will be used which requires no painting or repainting. Prefabrication will be used where possible to reduce on site construction time. Sound and Visuals The design team will have an acoustician who will help design controls and solutions to dissipate sound from park activities. Events will have scheduled times that will be posted on the park website so the neighborhood will be informed.

A substantial perimeter earth berm will be built on the site adjacent to residential areas and streets to provide additional sound control and visual screening where possible. Currently parking for four hundred is available on site. If more parking is needed for certain events a shuttle service will be provided to offsite locations.

Hours of Operation and Security

The park will be open at 6am for early morning walkers, joggers, and meetings. Closing times will be seasonal and typically set for 9pm.There will be a fulltime park caretaker living on site. The park will be tastefully enclosed with gates and cameras. The park is planned to meet ADA guidelines as per code. Additional assistance can be provided by contacting the park office.