River Roots Rainwater Project (Liberty Green Park)

The River Roots rainwater project will capture the community’s history with water using a design that sets an example for water stories of the future. Alisha Wormsley, the selected artist, has been leading the community outreach and design process for the project.

Wormsley met with up to 350 youth from the neighborhood and Lincoln Elementary School, and sea creatures became a theme for the project as they discussed how they interact and think about water. The youth created pictures and sculptures of these sea creatures. Their artwork will be developed into concrete molds of the creatures, which will then be hidden throughout the park as a discovery feature.

"I’ve really learned so much from this true labor of love project, River Roots," said Alisha Wormsley. "There are so many people involved in this park and River Roots, it is amazing what it takes to make it happen. I truly hope it’s something that brings neighborhoods together and holds all the love, creativity and community care that has gone into it."

River Roots will feature many different elements embedded into a series of bioswales in addition to the Sea Creatures, including:

Sound Sculptures - that make sounds from wind and rain

Chadar Ceramic Well Quilt - featuring photos from the neighbors and inspired by elders in the community

Elder Circle/Story Stone Engraving - featuring community elder's quotes