« Credit Card Security | Main | Stadium probably would add value to Twins franchise »
June 25, 2005
St. Paul park carving out a niche for art
The article I choose was from the June 21, 2005 issue of the StarTribune
This article is about the Aurora Neighborhood Association's quest to recreate an old rundown park. The Association recieved a $350,000 grant from St. Paul's Parks and Recreation Department and with the help of Public Art St. Paul, turned the area into a sculpture park which opened in 1998. Prior to the reopening of the park, it was frequented by drug dealers and prostitutes. Since the park reopened crime rates in the area have fallen, residents have fixed up their properties, and vacanthomes and lots have nearly dissappeared.
The Association is currently trying to secure a $1 million endowment, to ensure they can meet the $20,000 needed each year to care for the park. The association also wants to rotate the artwork in the park on a yearly basis. They hope the success of their work will be used as a model for other cities.
In our group discussion Debbie said that this should be used as an example for other neighborhoods. I asked what the city's involvment should be in these matters because neighborhoods may not be able to do it on their own. This group was able to do this with the help of St. Paul Park & Rec. Would they have been able to do the same thing without the help of the city? Would other neighborhoods be able to do similar things without the help of the City?