See Lawrence: Parks and Green Spaces

The community’s parks and green spaces are at the heart of the city’s geographical layout and historical identity

To explore and honor Lawrence’s public parks and green spaces, we asked several Lawrence artists to envision a location in the spirit of the National Parks “See America” posters commissioned in the 1930s and ’40s by the WPA Federal Art Project. In creating this iconic series, Depression-era artists developed a recognizable visual vocabulary that was straightforward, yet elegant and majestic, attributes we believe can be discovered just as easily in the Lawrence parks and green spaces surrounding us.

“When I originally came up with the Lawrence Parks and Green Spaces idea, I was having trouble deciding which park to choose for my art because I love so many of the parks in Lawrence. But my mind kept coming back to the big sky, the wide river, and those giant cottonwoods at Burcham. There’s a majesty and power there that’s hard to describe or explain, and I wanted to try to capture a bit of it.”

Mary R. Gage, contributing artist and project organizer

“Growing up in Lawrence, I spent a lot of time in the parks, and the ‘rocket ship’ in Centennial was always one of my favorite places.”

Stephanie Lane Gage, contributing artist

Riverfront Park, the eastern one in North Lawrence by the levee at 8th Street, is my favorite Lawrence Park. I’ve been visiting it since about 1994, and am there at least every week. I wanted the Kansas River to be the focus of my poster as this park represents the starting point for so many fine adventures, whether hiking, biking, birding on the shared-use trails, or launching a paddle trip down the river.

Lisa Grossman, contributing artist

I’ve always loved Watson Park because of the train, but I also love the swirling paths, and how they circle around the wide open space in the middle. I love that it’s right downtown, but still feels quiet, and that you can hear the kiddos having fun at the pool in the summertime.

Leslie Kuluva, contributing artist

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“It’s a visually stunning place. Every time you go there, you’re going to see wildlife of some kind. You see the textures and the grasses, and it’s a great place to see the big sky.”

Matthew Lord, lead artist

“As a South American Indigenous artist, I have been expressing my ancestral heritage through my art and have a sense of urgency to expand cultural awareness because I realize that Indigenous people in the USA are still ‘invisible’ to many. When I learned there was an earthwork shaped as a Medicine Wheel in Lawrence I was overwhelmed. The Medicine Wheel connects all Indigenous peoples in the Americas. It invites you to walk with intention, and reconnect with your ancestors and Mother Earth. I love the meditative feeling I have when I’m at the Haskell Medicine Wheel.”

Astrid Mier y Teran, contributing artist

A thoroughfare for pedestrians, cyclists or those on other non-motorized transportation, the Lawrence Loop provides a diversified and pleasant escape to the outdoors through many of Lawrence’s neighborhoods. As a frequent trail user, I was thrilled with the chance to celebrate “The Loop” with its beautiful and unique changes in scenery. Now more than ever, we need our parks and green spaces for the fresh air, tranquility, and adventure they provide.

Connor Remboldt, contributing artist

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“It’s the place where overlapping circles connect and a lot of paths cross. It’s full of these big, joyous moments within the community. But then it’s also … full of these wonderful, quiet moments in the rose garden or someone’s walk at lunch. It holds a spirit of community. It’s a great heart. It’s a great core.”

Kent Smith, lead artist

Lawrence Nature Park is a quietly enchanted place with trails that loop and climb up and down ravines and past limestone outcroppings and through the darkened and gnarled forms of Osage Orange trees and over a small stream. I love the progression of glens and groves of various trees as I walk down the path. I savor the “events” of bird encounters and squirrel sassing and animal tracks in the mud and the stately “giants,” old and beautiful trees that hold court along the path. I have many moments of childlike delight as I discover the latest flower or tree blooming in the woods. I find it to be a restorative and happy place.

Sara Taliaferro, contributing artist

I chose Hobbs Park because it’s one of our favorite neighborhood parks. I also play in the Kaw Valley Kickball League, and creating a poster that included the stadium and diamond felt like a perfect tribute to our kickball community.

Lindsey Yankey, contributing artist

—An excerpt from a story by Mary R. Gage, from summer 2020 edition of Lawrence Magazine | The See Lawrence: Parks and Green Spaces project was conceived by Mary R. Gage and Lawrence Magazine, with funding from Lawrence Magazine | The ongoing, expanded project embraces other locations in Kansas and continues in partnership with the Parks & Green Spaces Project.