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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-00337 03-30-2009 Submittal-Peace ParkOVERTOWN PEACE PARK ARTS AND SCIENCE CAMPUS SUBMITTED INTO THE "Be a part of the experience" PUBLIC RECORD FOR OVERVIEW ITEM cr ON -30� The Overtown Peace Park Arts and Science Campus will continue the transformation and renovation of Overtown. The Campus will be utilized as a center for the community to celebrate its rich cultural assets, promote education and empower residents. The land -transformation tools of vacant lot clean-up, construction, economic development, gardening, public art and education will serve as a successful model for engaging residents, especially youth, in the process of rebuilding their community through the arts and sciences. This neighborhood revitalization strategy is not limited by convention but instead boldly redefines arts and science to incorporate environmental justice, greening and beautification, as well as community organizing. The park will be redeveloped for sustainability and with LEED Certification in three phases over a 36-month period, with each phase costing approximately $i5o,000 each. LOCATION 1025 NW 2ND Ave. Miami, FL 33136 and adjacent properties. FEATURES PUhISt' 11't Security Few, 1 I P a ge Proposal Presented By Urgent. Inc. i600 NW 3"' Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 305-576-30801-1` 305-576-2089 ofTceaturgentinc.org " w-ww.urgentinc.org Designed by artist Gary Moore, will be a six feet high vibrantly colored fence with a design that echoes grass, tree branches, colorful straws or any number of imaginative things. The design is meant to spur the imagination of children and enclose their "garden" in a fun way while providing the necessary security required for an urban setting. The security fence designed by Moore will be fabricated in economical 1/4 steel rods welded onto prefabricated steel fencing. The rod color is powder coated and baked into the rod surface for durability. Fmnntvermc'nt Morals On each column, there will be shared public art elements in collaboration with works from artist Kadir Nelson, Gary Moore and Overtown youth. Youth designs will be re -envisioned by Moore with fabrication and installation in ceramic tile fragments and applied four feet from the base of the columns located on the park site. Nelsons work will be installed utilizing graphic film transfer. Learning Columns On the opposite side of each mural, will be images created based on the house painting of the Ndebele people of South Africa. The use of African inspired art will provide opportunities to teach geometry, angles and science. Fractal geometry has emerged as one of the most exciting frontiers in the fusion between mathematics and information technology. Fractals can be seen in many of the swirling patterns produced by computer graphics, and have become an important new tool for modeling in biology, geology, and other natural sciences. While fractal geometry can take us into the far reaches of high tech science, its patterns are surprisingly common in traditional African designs, and some of its basic concepts are fundamental to African knowledge systems. African Fractals introduces readers to fractal geometry and explores the ways it is expressed in African cultures. Walking l.abvrint l . The labyrinth symbolizes the cyclic journey that each of us must take daily and seasonally throughout our lives as Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3`° Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 305-576-3084ph ' 305-576-2089 41l'ice@urgentinc 4rg * www urgentinc.org Submitted into the public record in connection with items { � on 3c.3 Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk we follow a path to unity and wholeness. While reaching the center of the labyrinth is a goal, every participant in this ancient ritual will approach the center and then be taken back to an outer circuit that is far removed from their destination. Eventually, however, the center is reached. The lesson of the labyrinth is simple: As long as you persist, you will reach your destination. During a walk on the labyrinth, which typically takes about zo minutes to complete, the mind quiets, the breath slows, and time stretches out. In one of its most important physiological effects, the many left -to -right and right -to -left turns experienced while walking the labyrinth causes a vestibular response that temporarily balances both the logical and artistic activities of the brain. Much like swinging in a swing, walking the labyrinth can provide a centering experience, just as it has in its various forms --Classical, Roman, Medieval (Chartres style), or Contemporary --for about 400o years. The labyrinth can be used as a path for prayer and meditation. It can also be used as a tool of discernment by considering your experiences on the metaphorical level. A community drum circle is a group that gathers together to share a rhythmical and musical experience. Rhythm is a truly universal language, and naturally creates a sense of community that can bridge any number of gaps and potential biases. In a community drum circle, the participants act as both audience and entertainment, sharing a musical experiences that result in harmony, unity, and feelings of wellness for all present. It is very important to note that the success of a drum circle is not dependent on the group's musical talent or ability. Sculpture Garden Providing urban youth with a safe, comfortable space in which they can work creatively and engage with arts and Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3'dAve. Bldg. D Miami, FL33136 305-576-3o84ph * 305-S76-2089 ofce@urgentinc,org * www urgentinc.org Submitted into the public record 'n connection with items `i on -,O-d . Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk mentors can be a significant crime preventative measure. The goal of the Peace Park Sculpture Garden is twofold: to initiate an on -going art project which involves the youth community afterschool by making a sculpture garden, and to create a meditative space in this intense urban area, which can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors. Crafted from primarily reclaimed materials, youth will be given opportunities to explore their creative sensibilities with the assistance of professional artists. 1►i�rt,ric Trail of Legacy Stones & M tr+ers Take a moment to listen, with your imagination, Overtown before 1-95. Just the mention of Overtown before 1-95 stirs people's emotions as they remember days long past for the once thriving community home to everyday hardworking folk, millionaires and entertainers. Now take a walk through time and learn of Overtown's colorful history through the family stories of Clyde Killens, Judge Thomas and others as the past comes in contact with the present. Through family markers trailing the Campus, youth guides will educate others about the past heroes of Overtown. Moreover, planned activities include the participation in the historic Overtown tour route, historical research, resource protection; the development of Trail brochures, a guidebook, and other publications; and production of exhibits and a documentary film. Environmental Science and Art Learning Centers The outdoor classroom/garden will be a safe place where children and adults learn to express themselves through art surrounded by the wonders of nature. Imagine a classroom filled with interesting nooks and crannies where contemplation and observation bring opportunities for artistic interpretation and exploration. This garden will be a jewel in the heart of Overtown. The garden will be used to create environmental and art learning centers to promote ongoing education where children and adults engage in hands on creative projects using plant materials Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3rd Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 3o5-576-3o84Ph 305-576-2089 officeaAurgentinc org * www urgentinc org Submitted into the public record in connection with items 41 on 3 - Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk from the garden as well as recycled materials including broken glass pieces, found objects (old keys, pop tops, washers, etc.) and other materials headed for the landfill. Children will put plants to artistic uses and explore historic cultivars and heirloom plants from gardens past. We believe that art can enhance self-esteem and self-worth, while being it is just plain fun. Examples of existing children's classes that will utilize the children's garden include: collage making, herb propagation, relief art, sculpture, photography, weaving, basketry, papermaking, ornament making, stepping stones, jewelry, illustration, painting and many others. ti+:iluvrtal 'vball Set off from the more active areas of the park, will be a memorial wall which provides an opportunity for quiet reflection to remember the young victims of urban violence. P�•:irrden Throughout the Peace Park lies a host of native plants, fruit, vegetable and herb gardens forming the basis of the environmental science, food education and career development programs. Using the garden as a living classroom, the garden is a perfect setting for the career development training and hands-on activities relevant to the environmental, agricultural and life sciences. Additionally, youth will learn valuable and marketable job skills in a supportive work setting. They learn how to plant, tend, and harvest organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed for market, how to write a resume, cashiering, customer service, sales tracking and inventory, entrepreneurship and marketing skills, reliability, and how to be an effective employee. In addition, youth members go on field trips, participate in job -shadowing programs, Learn about food security issues, perform community service projects, and cook meals using the produce that they grow. PROGRAMING The Peace Park's Campus will serve as a cultural center which brings an additional focus to the community by providing challenging programs for its youth, stimulating the local economy and 51 Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3"i Ave. Bldg. 1) Miami, FL 33136 305-576-3o84Ph • 305-576-2059 o@icetaurgentinc.org * www.urgent is org Submitted into the public record in connection with items $ `1 on 3-?C ` f . Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk offering new opportunities for local artists and arts groups. This initiative develops out of community need -lack of arts opportunities, especially during summer months and after school. SUSTAINABILITY Revenue Sources - The park will remain a viable and sustainable initiative through the following activities: • After School and Summer Camp Programs managed by Urgent, Inc. Programs will increase participants' artistic skills and environmental knowledge, increase their social competence, positive identity and connection to their environment. The arts and sciences will be used as a positive and creative force in the community. Most notably will be Rites of Passage, Intergenerational and Youth Empowerment activities for youth ages 6-18. Key elements of offerings include the arts, culture, music, dance, math and science. • Student produced works will be sold to support the Park's programs • Space will serve as a unique and exciting venue to host special events, parties, receptions and educational workshops and field trips • In partnership with other historic and cultural landmarks in Overtown, the Peace Park will be a stop on the Historic and Cultural Tours intended for the area • Families with historical and current connections to the Overtown community will have an opportunity to Leave -a -Legacy to the area by purchasing a legacy stone or marker which will line the walking path of the Park. CONTRIBUTORS Gary Moore, Artist Kadir Nelson, Artist Southern Blossoms Urgent, Inc. RESOURCES The Village of Arts and Humanities 6j Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3'd Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 305-576-3084ph *305-576-2°89 officeourgerainc g * www ureentinr g g Submitted into the public record in connection with items-1$`7 on Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk Ohio State University Extension CONTACT For more information about this proposal please contact: Saliha Nelson, Vice President Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3`d Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 305-576-3084Ph 3o5-576-2089fax Qffi ce a urge nt i nc . o rg www.u.rgentinc.org ATTACHMENTS Mini -Park Sample Layout Proposal Presented By Urgent, Inc. i600 NW 3'd Ave. Bldg. D Miami, FL 33136 305-576-3a84ph • 305-576-2089 office@urgentinc.org * www.urgentinc org Submitted into the public record in connection with items q on Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk ii----4g1'4----* '4-4 WO Coffee frek ti C., --, f/i L'/zd , 4. Fla. /i/j, `, /j r Tot Lot ^r'Hesse /- ** f // !ri Stage \ + >� j IGreen Roof I , `� J j l��i (Sheet L-3)d ga '� Playground :41 c J{/ IP a. l � l`\ 11 E. ir, - .50,0ton .Pent Submitted into the public record in connection with item # 1 on 2 —30 - . Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk Landscape Layout c l3 Nriwf VAZIP Ndfw 9 ICU sl_ nand. all. ardwilmOmillimmono s1. N.mY* m L-1 sego NO 1 of 1 i'I 0 • Vie Aeo VAY LAYOUT LEGEND OF SHEET L-1 Swietenia mahagoni (Mahogany) - 12' o.a Senna Suratensis (Glaucous Cassia) -12' o.a Sabel Palmetto (Saba) palm) - 16' o.a Coccoloba diversifolia (Pigeon Plum) - 12' o.a Coccoloba uvifera (Sea Grape) - 10' o.a Coccothrinax - 8' o.a Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson's Stopper) - 12' o.a Parkinsonia aculeata (Mexican Palo Verde) - 12' o.a Ilex cassine (Easat Palatka Holly) - 12' o.a Bottle Trees (See Sheet L-2) Gazebo (See Sheet L-3) Tables Curved Benches Benches with Playground Aggregate under Bottle Treee An old tradition being revived today is the growing of a bottle tree. The bottle tree custom stems from beliefs brought to the Americas by slaves from Kongo where a somewhat similar construction was found in grave yards. It was believed that by placing bottles on the ends of tree branches, evil spirits would become trapped in the bottles, offering protection. Not too long ago, it looked as if the bottle tree custom would be lost. Across the South, as old dilapidated tenant farms were being torn down, the bottle trees that adorned many of the yards, were destroyed as houses were razed. But now, the growing of bottle trees has found new life. Rahter than using a real tree, iron rods are being welded together or inserted in wood to form the tree. Once a tree is planted, empty bottles are placed on the ends of the rods. Blue bottles ar particularly valued for they are better at catching the evil spirits. Bottle trees these days seem to do really well in back yards. Part of the joy of planting a tree is nurturing it by collecting and adding bottles. From "Bottle Trees". by Ann Baird, in The Garden Gate, Spring 2006. 1lorticullurel Scrvii:e Coosrente, w r Una Not. W.,m�, PA rig..Ll1ia ;31ffi1_PL . MINK SS I Me Amass 101174: Submitted into the public record in connection with item #9 on3-30--O? Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk Photographs aT the Existing Site Horticultural Service Cone,tnntn, aim w 10.e Mara mrmM n>na. ama PAX I ies:_ OMAR VASSW MO CO 14?LY Mara: ran.. nedi — .ms._ew w L-4 Mir IR} McrM