VIEWS OF A FARM BOY
RETURN TO HOMEPAGE>>>>
There have been a lot of things happening in Central Iowa this past month (May-2021). Now, I would like to share with you a few things that were fun for me. That's why I titled this page MAY DAYS-2021.
May 15, 2021:
History here--"good-bad-indifferent"--who cares? These were just a few of the comments when this bronze sculpture (titled UpDown) by Mark Jacobsen, went on display at Merle Hay Mall in 1974. I think Des Moines just wasn't ready for a naked winged man on a bicycle strolling through the shopping center. It was taken down when the mall was remodeled in the 1990's. It was purchased by a local resident who recently donated it to the City of Johnston. Then Saturday, this interesting piece of art was welcomed to its new home near Johnston City Hall to kickoff the Mayor's Annual Bike Ride. It is anticipated that other sculptures will soon be placed near the trailhead. Check them out when you are out for a bike ride. But remember, UpDown rides in his birthday suit--but you can't!
May 15, 2021;
Open house for the Des Moines Heritage Trust Headquarters in Des Moines East Village. This beautiful building (built in 1909) is the former East Des Moines Union Depot located at 120 E. Fifth St. This is an old-new story! Left-Front of the old Depot looking back to the newly constructed Heritage Events Center. Right: Looking out from the new building.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV) (Lamentations 3: 22,23)
MAY DAYS-2021
JUNE--2021
May 04, 2021: The nation's largest open skate park was introduced today! It is located in downtown Des Moines between the Wells Fargo Arena and the Des Moines River. I may have jumped the gun here. Construction is still underway--so maybe we will come back later.
May 27, 2021:
What goes around comes around! Right? When I introduced you to the soon to be opened Lauridsen Skate Park, I said we would revisit it later. At that time, I never dreamed it would be later this month. Things moved with the speed of light and construction was completed in time for a very special opening event--The Dew Tour (May 20-23, 2021) . This was really a big deal for the Des Moines area. The Dew Tour was the only 2021 Olympics skate board qualifying event in the nation. Now the Lauridsen Skate Park is open to the public. I went back today (May 27th) to see the local young people in action. I truly believe Central Iowa has one of the best recreation trail systems in America. Now we have the biggest--and best--skate board park. That is why I proudly started and finished my MAY DAYS-2021 page with the Lauridsen Skate Park.