Environmental Sculpture Garden - Fayetteville AR - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Wilson Park "Castle" History

An active spring emerges from behind the iron door with the Dogwood flower on it. During the early 1900's, this spring fed into what was known as Trent Pond, a local swimming hole which was located exactly where the ball field is now. In the early 1930's the current swimming pool was constructed, eliminating the need for the swimming hole. Prior to 1979 there was an unsightly concrete spring house located over the spring. The presence of this spring house is why this site was chosen for the "Castle". During the 1960's and '70's Wilson Park became increasingly popular, the spring house area was considered unsafe and unattractive. As a result, all agreed that this area had the potential for a creative, interactive park feature to be designed and constructed. In the late 1970's a contest was held to present ideas for enhancement of this area to citizens, Park's staff and Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB).

Artist and Sculptor Frank Williams won the contest with a scale model of what would eventually be known as "The Castle". Originally Frank named it "Seven Points". The scupture features seven cement "points" and a rock in the foot bridge with the number "7" in it. Soon after completion in 1981 it was nicknamed "The Castle".

The Castle has become increasingly popular over the years, receiving thousands of visitors annually. Over time, the structural integrity began to weaken, requiring renovations to the original project. These improvements were completed in 1999 and 2004. Rock walls on the planting spaces were constructed, aggregate walkways were added, entry areas were enlarged, the bridge rails were re-built, and the dam below the bridge was reinforced. Other improvements that were created by Artist Eugene Sargent include the addition of Ferro-cement benches that resemble flowers and leaves, a flower fountain was fashioned for the pond, and in 2009 a "worm" retaining wall was added.

The Castle is nestled among gardens and trees. The gardens are the collective work of Parks and Recreation gardeners and many devoted volunteers.

Above text from (visit link)

TITLE: Environmental Sculpture Garden ARTIST(S): Williams, Frank, sculptor. DATE: 1980. Dedicated July 20, 1980. MEDIUM: Ceramic, ceramic tile, concrete, stones, shells, metal, fieldstone, azalea bushes, and water, partially painted. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS AR000308 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: This wonderful sculpture is at the northeast corner of Wilson Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 675 Park Ave Fayetteville, AR DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: No differences noted - exactly as described, and still in wonderful condition

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