Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in North Tucson is actually a multi-faceted site. That is, it is home to a memorial, fine art, history and green space.
Sal and I frequent it often. Recently our friends up at Meet Me Wednesdays approached us about putting together an art walk at the site. It actually came together fairly easily as there is a ton of 3D art on the site. Plus it is home to Sculpture Tucson and built on the site of the Binghampton Homestead. Being located adjacent to The Loop also makes it interesting for the art and sights along that ribbon of asphalt.
Starting at the Northwest corner of the park entrance near the River-Alvernon split, you find yourself at Sculpture Tucson. This group is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to producing and placing 3D sculpture around the city. On this walk we encounter a number of pieces including Atlas and various “angels.” Two pieces feature bicycle chain as hair! But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Turning East into the park the first stop really is the actual Brandi Fenton butterfly memorial. Featuring two bronzes, a pet memorial wall and a giant metal butterfly, the space is impressive.
Leaving the garden the next stop is the second of the bicycle-chain-haired sculptures and the ants piece. Shown at the top of this post, the ants adorn the top of a picnic ramada. Quite the sight.
Moving East toward Dodge Boulevard, there isn’t much to see in the way of yet, but don’t forget to check out the benches. So many memorial benches, there are really too many to count. some feature photos, others intricate tile displays memorializing a family member o community leader.
Crossing Dodge lets you see Atlas, if only briefly.
Back on the Loop between the River and the park, we take the trail for short distance before turning into the water park are. There you see a few more benches and another bronze, this of children on a tortoise. Through the water park and back to the center of the park, we are almost back to the main garden. but not before seeing one of the angels.
I know, lots of details. But well worth it for an afternoon out.
Be sure and visit one of jewels of the Tucson Parks System.
Relentless
