Garden of the Gods ‘picture frame’ installation sees backlash from community
(UPDATE: FRIDAY, DEC. 15)
Colorado Springs officials plan to provide more details Friday about the recent installation of a “picture frame” at Garden of the Gods.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a news conference at 12:15 p.m. Friday, at the site of the frame.
Earlier on Friday, the city released the following statement:
“The 8′ x 12′ frame in Garden of the Gods Park was erected as a whimsical and fun way for residents and tourists alike to share the beauty of Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA. By occupying a small corner of a South parking lot, we hope that many of the 2M annual visitors will share their memories and celebrate Colorado Springs as an iconic vacation destination. No rock formations were impacted by the installation of the frame, which is adjacent to the parking lot. The location and installation will be re-evaluated at the end of 2018. No tax dollars were spent on the frame, as it was donated.”
The city said GE Johnson, a local construction company, donated the frame and the idea was first presented to the Parks and Recreation board last February.
Olympic decals will be installed on the frame Friday, the city said, allowing visitors to take “framed” photos of the scenic background,
KRDO NewsChannel 13 will be at the news conference and will update this story.
(PREVIOUS STORY: THURSDAY, DEC. 14)
A ‘picture frame’ type installation has suddenly appeared at Garden of the Gods, and most of the community is not happy.
What was intended to be a piece geared to visitors’ photographs has been met with backlash.
One KRDO NewsChannel 13 viewer wrote on Facebook, “I can frame my own pictures, thank you. It’s quite easy without a frame, actually, because the park is beautiful in its natural state. I think this thing sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn’t feel natural at all.”
Another wrote,”What Artist thought that Mother Nature needed a frame? Why would the City waste money on a frame? You can not improve on the view.”
Bowiling Gillings Park Interpreter at Garden of the Gods Visitor Center told KRDO that none of the park’s staff was consulted or asked about the installation, and he is unsure on who came up with the idea.
The installation is located on the south side of Garden of the Gods by the High Point Overlook off Ridge Road.
