Michigan Legacy Art Park Opens Following June 9 Storm Cleanup
June 30, 2021
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (June 29, 2021) – Michigan Legacy Art Park has reopened to the public after successful cleanup from a June 9 windstorm that downed several trees and left some sculptures and trails damaged in its wake.
In all, four pieces of art were damaged: Stockade Labyrinth, Bonnet, Five Needles and Grommet. The Discovery Grove Educational Area and the Amphitheater also sustained some damage.
Trails were impassable and dangerous for several days due to devastating tree damage falling over trails.
“Many, many trees were uprooted or were sheared straight through. Those have been moved off the trails. Some have large exposed roots or are laying across other trees for support,” Tobi Karch, interim executive director of the Michigan Legacy Art Park, said. “Visitors should stay on trails when walking through the Park.”
Two areas of the Park, Stockade Labyrinth and an area off the trail with some toppled trees, have been taped off for safety.
Michigan Legacy Art Park volunteers and staff have been working with private contractor Milarch Tree Service and Crystal Mountain staff to cut and clear downed and hanging trees. Damages are expected to total several thousands of dollars.
“We don’t yet have a firm grasp on expenditures or the time needed to restore the Park to its previous condition. There are many more trees that we need to clear and remove from our grounds, and we are working to develop a plan,” Karch said. “A project of this magnitude takes time and resources.”
Founded by internationally acclaimed artist David Barr in 1995, the Michigan Legacy Art Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located on a 30-acre preserve of heavily wooded hills at Crystal Mountain. The Park has 1.6 miles of walking trails and about 50 sculptures, poetry stones and an outdoor amphitheater. Each of the sculptures interprets a piece of Michigan’s history. It is a popular place for concerts, weddings, gatherings and outdoor reflection in a truly serene setting.
MLAP relies on the support of individuals, foundations and corporations to provide mission-driven activities. Donations to help clean up remaining trees and pay for some of the trail restoration and safety can be made here: https://michlegacyartpark.org/donate/give/
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PHOTO / MEDIA OPP: We will walk media through the Michigan Legacy Art Park at 9 a.m. Friday, July 2 to view some of the cleanup. Please send an email to manager@michlegacyartpark.org if you are interested in attending.
About Michigan Legacy Art Park
Michigan Legacy Art Park is a nonprofit arts organization founded by internationally acclaimed artist David Barr in 1995 to enrich lives through experiences that connect art, nature, and Michigan’s history. Through the lens of contemporary art, the “Michigan experience” comes to life in the park’s permanent collection of almost 50 works, located in the midst of a 30-acre northern Michigan forest preserve. The Art Park hosts thousands of visitors and students each year and features miles of trails, world-class concerts outdoors, art and nature workshops, and extensive education programs.