The Oasis at Loftin Park

If you’ve driven by during the past week, you’ve surely noticed the art tree temporarily on display in Loftin Park just north of City Hall.  Its colorful, gold-flecked leaves shimmer and dance in the sun, and at night it glows by the light of color-changing LEDs.  “The Oasis,” created by Bellaire resident Paul Robertson, will be there for all to enjoy through the end of July before (hopefully) heading to Burning Man in Nevada if it happens this year.

Having garnered positive attention on social media and attracted lots of passers by to see it in the artist’s front yard, The Oasis was relocated to public property at the invitation of our citizen Culture and Arts Board.  Working with staff they made all the arrangements, and the piece is now on loan from the artist at no cost to the City.  In presenting its recommendation, the Board did a play on the tree theme, tying it to this month’s Planting Palooza.  The installation was formally celebrated yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Robertson family, friends and neighbors, and city representatives.

The Oasis enhances public art in Bellaire, contributing to our quality of life and serving as a focal point for community building and civic pride.  It’s uplifting and fun, and comes to us at a time when we can all use some good cheer.  That the artist is one of our own makes it that much more special, and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to showcase his talent and to share it with a wider audience.

Planting Palooza–30 Days of Planting!

Our citizen Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Bellaire Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department welcome you to Planting Palooza–30 Days of Planting, throughout the month of April.  We hope you’ll take part and come together with us in growing and improving our community from the ground up, as #OneBellaire.  Planting Palooza will be celebrated daily on social media and the City website to showcase our efforts to keep Bellaire healthy, beautiful and green.  To participate, simply share pictures of your planting projects, no matter how big or small, and enjoy those of your neighbors as well.  Residents, local businesses and organizations are all invited to join the fun!

Planting Palooza will also feature lectures, how-to’s and other informative presentations from area experts.  Several of our community partners including the Nature Discovery Center and Evelyn’s Park, as well as the Bellaire City Library, will host interactive educational and planting events for kids and families.  The Bellaire Business Association will be sponsoring a Family Planting Day on April 10, Patrons for Bellaire Parks will have a pecan tree dedication and seed giveaway on April 14 in the greenspace at the Library, and Trees for Houston will be supplying free seedlings for distribution on Earth Day, April 22, at Evelyn’s Park.  And there’s also a coloring contest for kids, brought to you by our citizen Culture and Arts Board, with prizes to be awarded in each of the pre-K, elementary and middle school categories.

For more information and event updates, keep an eye on the City website and follow Bellaire Parks and Rec on Facebook.  To get involved and share pictures of your planting projects, e-mail palooza@bellairetx.gov and post them on social media, using the hashtag #OneBellaire.  Let’s get planting!