HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-78 Publicly commending Rod Goodchild for his leadership in promoting lasting and magnificent tree carvings in Potawatomi ParkW 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
Randy Kelly, Yd District Council Member
Jo Broden, 4' District Council Member
Dr. David Varner, 5`h District
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Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk
Gavin Ferlic, At Large Council Member
Karen L. White, At Large Council Member
Kathleen Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney
Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana