The Renovation of Rhodes Skate Park

Rhodes Park sits in an area that makes it difficult to remember serene nature-scapes. Roads wrap around this small park, which may sound uncomfortable and constricting. Yet, Rhodes Park becomes a unique sanctuary for the wild and free ideas of nature. The soaring essence of a kickflip, the cat-like pounce of a turn vault, skateboarding, parkour and other urban sports remind us we are still wild and are very much alive. Our intent was to create artwork that would help give the visitor a sense of place—blurring the lines between urban and the wild aspects of nature. Reminding us the importance of entertaining our more natural selves while being encapsulated in an urban environment.

Sculptural Landmark

Rhodes emerges from the earth as if left by a passing glacier or pushed up by tectonic forces. The sculptures are made of industrial powdercoated steel and had a skeleton of abstracted intersecting roads conveying the duality of a concrete park. The comparison between the industrial materials to the organic layout reminds us how blurred the definition of nature can be. The sculptures comes alive as you move by, the parallax effect of overlapping letters provides a unique view depending on the visitor’s approach.

Donor Recognition Wall

Rupturing from the ground as if forced from a subterranean rift. The natural vaulting nature of this donor wall elevates its members as if it was an exposed gold vein. These rigid peaks showcase wooden skateboard fragments with the donor names inscribed. The donor wall lives in a large planter box, celebrating those who make this park possible.