Inviting public space elates me, and Burlington has acres of it. What’s better than the Church Street Marketplace on a summer night?
My favorite warm weather haunt is the Burlington bike path. I like it when it’s busy with walkers, runners and all-wheeled travelers; I like it on lazy weekday afternoons when the traffic is slow to none.
Just south of Perkins Pier, beginning at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, a small peninsula juts out and the shoreline bends to the left. This stretch is home to a series of gorgeous white stone sculptures. I have not discovered a plaque indicating the name of the artist responsible for this public art; for that matter, I don’t know if it’s the work of a single artist or many. The pieces are not signed; nor are they titled; they are wordless!
Some of them appear to be unfinished, which, to me, only adds to their allure.
Here’s Poseidon, I guess. I’m not sure what he’s holding. Looks important, though.
Here’s a mermaid playing a tune. On really still days, if you get close and listen quietly, you can hear the song.
Here’s two practical items, a canoe and roller blades.
A day in which you use both these items is probably a real good day.
If anybody out there knows more about these public treasures, I’d love to hear about it. Especially if you are the creator!
This article appears in May 23-29, 2007.
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