Tamarac Commons Park

"This is what is called a pocket park located on the southwest corner of McNab Road and Pine Island Road. There isn't even a parking lot. The park is open sunrise to sunset. This park features a fountain and sculpture, paved walkway, landscaping, and benches with shade overhangs. In the center of the park is a fountain with an art sculpture by Tamarac artist George Gadson. George Gadson graduated from Duke University and has been commissioned to create works of art for events and people. Some of his most well known works include two South Florida Super Bowl bronze commemorative sculptures named The Quarterback in 1995 and The Kicker in 1999. The sculptures were given to the National Football League Team owners. According to the Tamrac City website "Gadson seeks to bring back to life the forgotten history found in many communities, stimulate the imagination within an otherwise sterile environment, or simply capture civic memories through creative design works in variety of mediums. His artistic elements aid in rebuilding the tangible and intangible characters of a community, bring disparate groups together, create safer neighborhoods, establish a "Sense of Place", and promote a greater sense of belonging." The piece that Gadson created for Tamarac in 2005 in the fountain is named Egretta Thula which is the genus name for one of my favorite Florida birds, the snowy egret, a small white heron. It is a six foot tall bronze sculpture of a snowy egret created to remind us that we need to protect our environment and the wildlife that lives in it. It is a sentiment I fully support. The piece was developed with input from businesses and residents of Tamarac, both adults and school children. While driving around Tamarac I was surprised to see how many large art pieces there were on the side of the road. Those sculptures as well as this piece are a result of the Public Art Program which was approved by the City Commission in May 2004 in order to provide art to beautify the the city and commemorate its history. George Gadson is the current Chairman of the committee. The Public Art Program is funded by the Public Art Ordinance which requires "that 1% of the construction value of new projects or improvements be set aside for public art." If the city chooses not to use the funds they are returned to the developer. Now that I know a little more about the art works I am going to keep an eye out for them. I never knew you could do an art tour in Tamarac."

"The Hibiscus are in bloom in Tamarac"

"Very good place to Run."

"No parking. Very small. But there is lights at night so that's good"

"Beautiful little corner park with a cute fountain that is also a Pokémon Gym. Nice place to get some Florida sun and soak up the car exhaust. (I jest.)"