Forewarned is Forearmed

It appears there will be a water fight in our park this Saturday. Here are the details. Plan accordingly.

Over 600 people have responded on FaceBook that they are coming.  Too bad they are not coming early to help with the park clean up.

Park Budget Cuts?

I took a walk around our park this morning and boy o boy was it ever busy. Grass watering and street work on 8th and V...

... and major shore work on the east and south of the lake.

When I first glimpsed the construction site I assumed it was the promised replacement for the trees the city removed - the ones that blocked the park view of the freeway. But this is much more than trees. A worker on the scene said the improved shore line will include more elevated fishing spots and better walkways.

Hard to believe all this is being done when the city cannot afford park maintenance. The funds must be from some previously awarded grant. Anyhow, this coming weekend volunteers will have only part of the shoreline to weed.

Better Late Than Never

I just came across these photos of the June 16th Pi nata Festival in Southside Park. It was 105 degrees that day and I was amazed that anyone attended. In case you were there and want a happy memory or in case you were not and want to see what you missed, here it is...two months later. 

There was something for everyone...     

 ... henna tattoos...

 ...pinata workshops..

 ...sugar skulls

Here are some of my favorite pinatas:

Being a Mini Cooper owner this one is my absolute fav.

Strip Garden

Aren't the gardeners in Southside Park clever? Look at the way this one used an unlikely available space - the 4" wide strip between the driveway tire tracks.

Mural in Progress

I promise that this is the last piece about Insight Coffee for awhile but there is just too much juicy stuff going on at 8th and S that I can't resist. Today there is a mural painting in progress. Artist Andrew Terrell, who has the exhibit inside Insight couldn't stop there. His work is now outside, as well. 

He's had some helpers in this hot weather. Hope they go to Southside Park Pool to cool off after their stint on the scaffolding.

The Caffeine Must Be Working

The guys at Insight Coffee at 8th and S Streets must be drinking their own product. They have been very productive! First I noticed this great new outdoor seating area.

And inside they hung the best exhibit I've seen there yet. Artist Andrew Terrell grew up in the area but he's not staying here long. When you see his work I am sure you will agree that he is going places. And he is, actually, to Portland, Oregon. So go see this show before it comes down on August 8th. There is a lot to engage your eye and your imagination. Take a friend and go sit at the new outdoor tables to discuss.

ART: Alive and Well

Southside Park certainly did not suspend activity when I was out of town for three weeks!

When I left I was sad that we had recently lost not one, but THREE art galleries in our neighborhood. One that folded was downstairs from the working artist's studios at ARTHOUSE, 1021 R Street.  When I came home imagine my happy surprise to see that 1021 R Street not only had this new awning...

...but also a NEW gallery inside! Adamson Gallery shares this cool space with... 

...photographer Robin Hagy.

Add these places to your monthly art walk and see for yourself that the art energy in Southside Park is indefatigable!