16-78 Publicly commending Rod Goodchild for his leadership in promoting lasting and magnificent tree carvings in Potawatomi Park

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W 4� A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING ROD GOODCHILD FOR HIS LEADERSHIP IN PROMOTING LASTING AND MAGNIFICENT TREE CARVINGS IN POTAWATOMI PARK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME CM;PI the South Bend Common Council notes that in Potawatomi Park there are many beautifully carved fallen oak trees, which are over 150 to 200 years old, thanks to the vision and tenacity of Rod Goodchild; and OACPI Rod formally requested the Board of Park Commissioners at their September 16, 2013, meeting for the Park Department to "leave six to ten feet of trunk left on larger tress that are cut down in Potawatomi Park & along tree lawns in River Park" so that he could employ sculptors to create wood carvings. The Board discussed Rod's request at the December 2013 Board meeting & received updates from the City Forester at their January 21, 2014, Board meeting of the stump carvings which they monitored along with proposed future carvings: and 6*;w4 Rod spearheaded in bringing attention through his "Save the Oak Stumps Extravaganza" to honor the memory of his sister, who was a huge advocate for parks and recreation, with Rod envisioning these fallen tree stumps as potential sources of inspiration; and 6AC,I Rod partnered with local sculptor, Victor Riley, who has turned many storm damaged trees into works of art — from the "Spirit Pole" which depicts Native American folklore of six animal carvings depicting a turtle, fox, bear, antelope, buffalo and eagle; to the "Eagle's Nest "; the magnificent "Eagle Has Landed" sculpture in front of the Ella Morris Greenhouse of the Potawatomi Conservatories; and the "Big Roo" of a mother kangaroo and her baby — all of which have become part of the "Magical Spirit Animal Carvings" which represent the team effort which Rod championed to help enhance pride and spirit in South Bend's Potawatomi Park; and 6)6" Rod also successfully lobbied the South Bend Common Council and Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who have proclaimed that the 3rd weekend of each July be known as the "Spirit Animal Nation Weekend at Potawatomi Park ", to further showcase this special artistic creation which inspires people of all ages. Section I. The South Bend Common Council proudly recognizes and thanks ROD GOODCHILD for his leadership in promoting the idea of turning fallen old oak trees into magnificent carvings for all residents and persons who visit Potawatomi Park to enjoy and which have helped capture some of the rich history of the City of South Bend, Indiana. Section II. The Common Council hopes that Rod will continue to use his creative spirits to further enrich our community in the years ahead. Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. Tim Scott, 11 District Council Member Regina Williams Preston., 2 nd District Oliver J. Davis, 6' District Council Member John Voorde, At Large Council Member