Come. Share our experience through public art cleverly scattered throughout our downtown. Want to learn what led to the evacuation of 60,000 of Grand Cities' residents in 1997? Come. Learn our story through beautiful parks brimming with public art.
Arbor Park
Fourth St S, Grand Forks
The winding brick walkway, continuing from Loon Park, represents
the winding Red River. The floodplain is depicted with the patio
areas. All rock used in the park, evoking past civilizations, was
salvaged from buildings torn down after the Flood of 1997 or from
past reconstruction projects. Public art includes Tree Arbor, by
Nicolas Legeros and Heidi J. Hoy, and Guardian by Sam Spitzka.
Loon Park
S Third St, Grand Forks
Formerly the site of a commercial building lost to the Flood of
1997, this pocket park's curving brick walkway represents the winding
Red River of the North while the patios symbolize the floodplain.
Public art includes Dance of the Loon by Cynthia Wilds, Four in
the Field by Marilyn Edmonds, Veggies by Marilynn Knauer and Celebrate
II by Linda Doebbert.
Memorial Park
Third St and First Ave N, Grand Forks
The site marks the spot of the Former Security Building, the first
of twelve structures lost to the historic Flood of 1997. Twelve
bronze-framed plaques explain events leading up to the flood and
fire that resulted in the largest evacuation in American history.
The park is also home to Flood Rescue, a copper statue memorializing
the event.
Sherlock Forest Playground
Sherlock Park, East Grand Forks (north of the Campbell Library on
4th St. NW)
This Leathers & Associates playground was designed with the
help of junior architects from local elementary schools and built
by donations of time and money. Experience for yourself how this
3D playground stimulates the imagination!
Grand Forks Town Square
Third St and DeMers Ave, Grand Forks
Hosting community events throughout the year, the Grand Forks Town
Square is the hub of the popular Grand Cities Art Fest and home
to the Town Square Farmer's Market, held each Saturday morning during
the summer. Each winter, the Square is flooded to create a picturesque
skating rink in the heart of the city.