Water Trail by artist Gregory Fields creatively displays the story of the water cycle and its importance to our ecosystem.
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The City of Boulder recently installed a piece of 3D artwork that demonstrates the importance of rain gardens to the health of our ecological systems at Valmont City Park. The artwork, created by Colorado artist Gregory Fields, seeks to raise awareness about the role of stormwater systems in water quality protection. The piece connects the rain garden to public values like recreation and wildlife, fostering a sense of place and environmental engagement.
Typically, when it rains, stormwater flows over pavement and other surfaces picking up pollutants such as debris, vehicle spills, animal waste, fertilizers and chemicals. These pollutants then enter storm sewers, which drain to local streams, without being treated. The city participates in the Keep It Clean Partnership to provide community members information about stormwater and local watersheds. “Simple actions like cleaning up after pets and reducing the use of lawn and garden chemicals can make a huge difference in helping keep our creeks clean,” said Stormwater Quality Program Manager, Kevin Koryto.
The rain garden at Valmont Park is part of city efforts to install green infrastructure facilities to manage and filter stormwater from parking lots and other areas before it reaches local streams. Rain gardens are shallow, sunken areas with plantings and special soil that help filter out pollutants and create natural habitats for wildlife and beneficial insects.
“The installation of this public art piece demonstrates the power of art to creatively tell complex stories," said Public Art Program Manager, Brendan Picker-Mahoney. “By bringing attention to what is usually an unseen process with a colorful sculpture, we can help educate park visitors about important processes happening right under their feet.”
Join us for a dedication ceremony to welcome Water Trail by Gregory Fields into the city’s public art collection on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Valmont Park (5100 Valmont Rd.). The event will offer community members an opportunity to meet the artist, explore the importance of rain gardens to our ecosystem and learn more about the City of Boulder’s public art program.