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Uncommon Ground construction at stand still Photos by Erin Stevens
Edmond resident and developer Hal French wanted to see his visionary interactive park, dubbed The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, become a reality, but he scrapped those plans due to his frustration with City officials.
Now, the 62-acre piece of land may have a new lease on life if the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce has its way. Last week, the Chamber announced its intentions to help make the project a reality.
“On behalf of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, we would like to voice concern over recent events having occurred, the results of which appear to be the loss of the Uncommon Ground Park,” the Chamber wrote in a published letter. “The potential for this unique project is something Edmond has never experienced but which could lead to tremendous positive growth and opportunity for our community.”
The Chamber letter noted that “a tremendous primary benefit of this park would be attracting and retaining new talent to our community. Adding amenities such as this would help Edmond augment its sense of community, creating a place where people want to come to live, work and play. Not only would this enhance the quality of life for Edmond citizens, the cultural benefits alone of what Uncommon Ground could provide to the city are immeasurable.”
French previously sent a letter to Edmond officials that he and his foundation were ending their venture to build and donate a 62-acre sculpture park proposed for the northwest corner of East Second Street and North Coltrane Road.
His letter to the City notifying it that he is ending his efforts to build The Uncommon Ground sculpture park came less than two weeks after Council members spent hours reviewing the site's plans before approving a variety of modifications French's development team had requested.
“It is with a heavy heart that I'm announcing the end of our efforts to build and donate a unique 62-acre park in East Edmond,” French wrote. “For more than two and a half years, we have attempted to work with city leaders and staff to bring this vision to life. Unfortunately, we have encountered numerous delays, hurdles, and obstacles that had drained our energy, vanished our enthusiasm, and ended our dream. We had hoped to create a park similar to the Gathering Place (in Tulsa), which stands as a model for successful public private partnerships.”
The Chamber letter stated that private fundraising efforts have been organized.
“With private fundraising efforts currently underway for this park, as with other projects, it is always helpful for potential benefactors to know that the City is behind the effort and is supporting the park whether through infrastructure and more, even as those costs are still being determined,” the letter stated.
“The Chamber and the EEDA submitted applications for CARES and ARPA funds for this project. While these applications were not funded, other applications currently in the works along with funds raised to date could enable this project to begin construction. The importance of seeing development happening here adds to the excitement and realization that this could be a unique and special place.”
The Chamber letter also noted that when comparing Uncommon Ground to either the Gathering Place or Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City, it is important to recognize the significant numbers of visitors that would travel here to experience this sculpture park.
“In terms of size, this park would be much larger than the 15-acre Myriad Gardens and roughly the same size as the current 67-acre Gathering Place,” the letter stated. “In the first two days of the opening of the Gathering Place, 55,000 visitors attended. The Myriad Gardens estimates 200,000 annual visitors.
"It is not difficult to imagine the impact that Edmond would realize from visitors to Uncommon Ground making purchases for refreshments within the park or venturing out into the community to visit other attractions or restaurants. Visitors that might not have even thought to come to Edmond but for the Uncommon Ground.”
The Edmond Chamber stated it always appreciated the relationship it has with the City of Edmond and would be willing to work with city leaders and stakeholders to provide additional support by facilitating discussions with the goal of ensuring that this project, as well as future projects like these, come to fruition.
“We stand ready to assist with making the Uncommon Ground a reality,” the letter said.
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Check back with us for future updates as we continue to follow the story of the "Uncommon Ground."