GREENFIELD — There’s a new reason to pause and take in the scenery along the Pennsy Trail.
The Rotary Club of Greenfield recently installed an art park just west Riley Avenue, right across the street from the iconic grain elevator downtown.
The Rotary Art Park features six panels created by local artists, showcasing Rotary International’s six areas of focus, from peace-building to literacy.
“The hope is the park will not only beautify the trail but make people more aware of Rotary and what we are about,” said art park coordinator Deby Low, a local Rotarian who is also a board member for the Greenfield Parks Department, which maintains the trail.
The project wrapped up in late April, when landscaping was complete and two park benches purchased by the Rotary Club were assembled and installed by parks staff.
Rotary District 6560 of Central Indiana, which includes the Rotary Club of Greenfield, contributed a $5,000 grant for the project, which brought together community partners like the parks department, the City of Greenfield, Signarama, BLC Outdoor Services, Petry Excavating and the Hancock County Arts Council.
Low said the art park’s location was ideal not only because it helps hide an unsightly electric substation, but because it’s on a well-traveled section of the trail just west of the soon-to-be-developed Depot Park.
“This location was decided before Depot Park was ever developed, and when we found out about the park going in we were even more excited about it, especially knowing it’s going to be right along the Riley Literary Trail,” she said, referring to another parks department project.
The park fit the local Rotary Club’s longtime desire to create a footprint project that could showcase what Rotary International is all about, Low said. It was also a great way to expand the Rotary Club’s support of the 5½-mile-long trail Pennsy Trail, where it has donated three pergolas in the past.
Local Rotarians started collaborating with the parks department on the art park two years ago. A public callout for artists was made late last year, encouraging artists who live or work in Hancock County to submit their ideas for the chance to have their work included in the display.
A panel was formed consisting of members from the Rotary club, the parks department and the Hancock County Arts Council to select the best artistic renderings for the display.
The winning artists include: Cathleen Huffman for “Foundations”; Lauren Hughes for “Rotary Redesigned”; and Sandy Hall, for two of her creations, “Together We Can Make a Difference” and “The Key to Success: Doing Your Best.”
The artists received a monetary prize of $500 per panel.
Tom Joyner, a local artist and Rotarian, created two additional panels explaining Rotary’s Areas of Focus and the Rotary Club of Greenfield’s commitment to Hancock County and the world.
The Rotary opted to use vinyl panels with a lifespan of roughly two years with the intention of switching out the art on a rotating basis.
“We have budgeted for four year to replace these, so we’re hoping the display generates interest among local artists for future submissions when it’s time to update the panels,” Low said.
Josh Gentry, maintenance foreman for the Greenfield Parks Department, said the art park is the perfect addition to the Pennsy Trail. It’s a great way to beautify the trail and promote conversation while fostering an appreciation for local art, he said.
“We have always strived to promote local artists in the parks, and this installation is no different. The Rotary Club added an amazing addition to the trail, and we are thankful for their partnership,” he said.
“We have thousands of visitors along the trail every year, with even more visitors this year. We hope to expand these offerings of both permanent and temporary exhibits whenever possible.”
A dedication ceremony for the park will be held later this year.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
At a glance
The new Rotary Art Park is located on the Pennsy Trail, just west of Riley Avenue.
It features six panels created by local artists, showcasing Rotary International’s six areas of focus:
Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Water Sanitation & Hygiene
Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Community and Economic Development
[sc:pullout-text-end]
