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RCWD and Fridley Approve Frog Sculpture Design for Moore Lake Park Public Art Piece


The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) and the City of Fridley are excited to announce that we’ve reached a unanimous agreement on the design for the new public art installation at Moore Lake Park!

Approx. site of sculpture at Moore Lake Park.

The centerpiece of this installation will be a striking sculpture of a frog, which will sit on the edge of a stormwater holding pond in the northeast area of the park.

This artwork will not only beautify the area but also symbolize the importance of water resource management and the interconnectedness of water and all life within our watershed.

The frog, specifically the Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), is Minnesota’s state amphibian and serves as a keystone species in our ecosystems. Learn more about the Northern Leopard Frog here. Frogs are vital indicators of environmental health; their presence signifies a balanced ecosystem, while their decline can indicate underlying issues affecting other species. This sculpture will represent the various water resource-related projects on site and emphasize the importance of caring for our freshwater resources for the benefit of people, wildlife, insects, fish, and everything in between.

Northern Leopard Frog (photo from Amphibian & Reptile Survey of Minnesota)

Artist Jessica Turtle will now begin work on the creation of the sculpture, which will stand approximately 6 feet tall and hover within the waterline of the holding pond. The frog’s design will feature playful, bold shapes and retro patterns, incorporating colors inspired by the nearby playground, making it a vibrant addition to the park.

RCWD is planning community engagement opportunities around this art piece so community members can be involved. More details will be shared soon, as the district wants the community to feel included and can take pride in this first public art collaboration between the City of Fridley and RCWD.

This art project not only highlights the importance of caring for and protecting our local water resources but also looks to create a sense of connection and pride among community members.


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