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, planners and de velopers of the Wallis Simpson Whiligig Park took major steps forward this week as they came together and, frankly, got a lot of work done. Four themed concepts were unveiled — fuselage, stacking, flag and windwheels. In addi tion, close to 20 people from the community offered their input and ideas for the park, planned on Goldsboro Street near the corner of South Street. We're impressed by the availability of substantive facts and figures regarding this project. It’s a fact of life some folks will sit on the sidelines and lob criticisms at those with a vision for greater things. But so far the informa tion and financial figures on this process have been pretty transparent in our opinion. In fact, planners have been open from the start. When they didn't have a lot of informa tion, they said as much. When documents were drafted, they emerged at public meetings. This project is, at heart, a pub lic-private undertaking. Some folks will debate the price tag. The project is estimated to cost $3 million and is expected to be paid for through donations, grants and city in-kind services, accord ing to the project budget. The acquisition and conservation of the whirligigs will cost $1.8 million. This is a massive project with major fundraising hur dles. They’ll need the support of residents, businesses and governments alike to pull this off. That’s why the transpar ency here is so commend able and important as major fundraising efforts begin. We do believe emphasis should be put on raising money from businesses and residents, which will deflect potential criticism from organizers. Of ficials are also wisely focusing on grant requests. These structures have re ceived international acclaim and widespread press cover age. The folks who are helm ing this project are looking to preserve this work for future generations to enjoy. We do fear for the preservation of Simpson’s very recognizable works into the future. It would be sad to see them just away years from now on his farm in Lucama. This project ensures folks will be able to view his work for decades to come. At the same time it enhances down town and adds flavor and flare to our region. There will be critics along the way. That’s life and that’s art.
Newspaper Details
Wilson Times
Wilson, North Carolina, US
Sat, Jul 24, 2010
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Tracey B.
NC, USA 21 Jun 2026
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