Something Good: Man Developing Plans For Sculpture Garden In Edmond

The phones at Edmond's City Hall have been ringing from inquiring residents as dirt is now being moved on what appears to be a major development at Coltrane and 2nd.

Friday, July 30th 2021, 5:10 pm

By: Karl Torp


-

The phones at Edmond's City Hall have been ringing from inquiring residents as dirt is now being moved on what appears to be a major development at Coltrane and 2nd.

Retired Edmond attorney Randel Shadid used to represent developers.

His latest project includes clearing underbrush on 62 acres. It had his neighbors fearing apartments or a shopping center would be coming soon.

“I always thought that would be a tragedy,” Shadid said.

Instead, Shadid is helping his friend, Edmond resident Hal French, with a passion project.

French is an art lover and is turning this property into a massive sculpture garden.

Fifteen pieces have already been secured.

The hope is the park will open in two years with as many as 60 sculptures and the collection will grow from there.

“They are significant pieces from well-known sculptors around the country,” Shadid said.

Elements of the playgrounds at Tulsa's Gathering Place are also in works.

A restaurant on 2nd Street, which will overlook the park and man-made lakes, is also in the plans.

“There will be something here for everyone,” Shadid said.

Shadid said there will be a fundraising involved and the total price could range from $20 to $50 million.

Once complete, French would like to give the park to the City of Edmond.

“This is something he’d like to do,” Shadid said about his friend. “I think this is just a blessing for Edmond.”

We will get a better idea of what the park will look like in two to three months when the landscape architect's plans are finished.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

July 30th, 2021

March 27th, 2024

March 26th, 2024

March 25th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024