CITY PARK IN APPLETON, WISCONSIN, is one of those parks that causes you to linger and appreciate.
“Ring Dance” by sculptor Dallas Anderson serves as City Park’s focal point. Private donations paid for the $483,000 fountain sculpture which was dedicated in August 1996.
It’s the setting as much as the fountain sculpture focal point that pull me into this neighborhood park next to Lawrence University on the eastern edge of downtown.
Spectacular one-of-a-kind historic homes define the neighborhood.
Historic, sprawling homes draw my eyes to inviting front porches and turrets and other architectural details. Homes so lovely I would move into any of them if I had the money.
A beautiful bush flowers during my May visit to City Park.
Rather, I covet that which I cannot own, imagine gleaming wood floors creaking with age, thick plaster walls, shining banisters, banks of windows streaming sunlight into rooms pasted with cabbage rose wallpaper.
The Hubert House Film House, right across from City Park, is part of Lawrence University.
The writer in me is writing the stories of these homes as my eyes scan exteriors while strolling the park perimeter.
Impressive First English Lutheran Church.
And then, I pause to study First English Lutheran Church, a strong stone structure that dominates a street corner. Stunning.
Moving in as close as I can without water spraying onto my camera.
Back in City Park, the lure of water leads me to the fountain, where sculpted children dance, ankles intertwined.
Fountain information imprinted upon a plaque.
If I could, I would join the circle, the “Ring Dance,” washing away worries.
A rainbow…
But on this evening, sunlight on water beaming a rainbow, I simply appreciate the moment.
Rush of bubbling water. Sunlight fading in the golden hour. Time here, with the man and daughter I love.
BONUS PHOTOS from an earlier visit in August 2011:
Impatiens fill planters in the park.
Circling “Ring Dance.”
A food truck stops at City Park.
FYI: For more information about “Ring Dance” sculptor Dallas Anderson, click here.
This coming Sunday, June 22, City Park, 500 E. Franklin Street, hosts the annual Juneteenth Festival sponsored by African Heritage, Inc., and the City of Appleton. The noon to 5 p.m. free admission event celebrates freedom, unity and community. The fest includes performances by Chicago-based Ayodele Drum & Dance, a Michael Jackson impersonator and other musicians; showing of “Stone of Hope: Black Experiences in Appleton,” a pop-up museum exhibit; games; and children’s activities. Food vendors will also be on site. For more information about Juneteenth Festival, click here.
Click here to read a previous post from City Park. And watch for a future post on an unusual tree discovered here.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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