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Levee Park
Features
- Camper Dumping Station
- Drinking Fountain(s)
- Grill(s)
- Horseshoe Courts
- Picnic Table(s)
- Playground
Sculpture Garden Development
The City, working with Ann Rosenquist Fee of the Arts Center of St. Peter, is in discussion to develop a sculpture garden within Levee Park to feature the works of Paul T. Granlund who served as the Artist in Residence at Gustavus Adolphus College from 1971 to 1996. Mr. Granlund’s sculptures are displayed worldwide and the Gustavus Adolphus campus is dotted with examples of his artwork.
Student Work
Along with Mr. Granlund’s work, the sculpture garden park will showcase sculptures and artwork created by Granlund’s former students and protégés which have been heavily influenced by his instruction and methods. A number of these artists have expressed interest in participating in the sculpture garden development given their respect and admiration for Mr. Granlund. Jonathan Granlund, the son of the artist, is serving as a conduit between the art community and the artist working group.
Repurposing
Preliminary plans call for repurposing a portion of Levee Park along the 100 block of South Front Street. This park is also the location of the Chamber of Commerce. Given its size and proximity to the Arts Center, Mill Pond area and businesses in the central business district, the site is ideal for attracting the public while allowing an opportunity to connect to the Minnesota River with the development of a scenic overlook or perhaps a pedestrian trail.
Architect Donating Time
Saint Peter Architect Matt Byers, of the Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture and Design (PLAAD) firm, is donating his time, talents and services in the development of the sculpture garden design. Mr. Byers has met with the small planning group and led them through a process to conceptualize possible sculpture garden components and design elements.
Budget
Design work and development of a preliminary budget are underway. Once the costs have been determined, fund raising efforts will begin in earnest as the sculpture garden is intended to be privately financed through donations solicited from individuals, businesses, foundations and patrons of the arts. Watch the Hot Sheet for more information as this project progresses.
History
The city levee (boat landing) at the foot of Broadway Avenue was in the original city plat of 1854. The levee was a roughly 850-foot long section of the river bank where steamboats docked, and where a ferry across the river was located. The rock beneath the west side of the current Broadway bridge was the inspiration for the original name of Saint Peter, “Rock Bend”. The current Levee Park is on the southern half of the original levee, and, while only about 1.4 acres in size, is home to the Chamber of Commerce building, the Pearly Gates, playground equipment, picnic tables and grills.