Batavia Parks Foundation Launches Painted Rock Garden Initiative

Press release from Batavia Chamber of Commerce:

BATAVIA, IL — Inspired by the completion of the Peace on Earth artwork installation, the Batavia Parks Foundation proudly announces the launch of a new painted rock garden initiative to help spread kindness to and from the community.

The Batavia Park District’s Board of Commissioners authorized an 8’ x 12’ garden space on the Batavia South Riverwalk Plaza area by the Peace Bridge for the new rock garden at their January 16, 2024 meeting, creating the canvas for the new garden area. Britta McKenna, Parks Foundation president comments, “The new painted rock garden amplifies efforts of the nearby Peace Bridge by reimagining an existing garden bed. Additionally, the use of rocks in the garden is a hat tip to Batavia’s past identity as “Rock City,” when the city was a key limestone quarry hub for the region.” Batavia’s history of quarrying limestone dates back to 1860 when the town was home to as many as ten operating quarries.

Members of the community are encouraged to paint rocks to be featured in this art installation. Gaining inspiration from the new Batavia flag graphic, the evolving rock garden design concept features a “windmill” inspired portion of the garden as a permanent art installation utilizing pieces of stone with the “river” section inviting the community to actively contribute their painted rocks year-round with artistic and inspirational messages to share.

Rock Painting Kit is Ready for Check Out

Is your non-profit or community organization, school, or church interested in painting rocks to contribute to Batavia’s new Rock Garden? Email bataviaparksfoundation@gmail.com or scan the QR code to reserve the rock painting kit, starting the week of March 11, 2024 through the summer. Reserved kits are available for pick up at the Batavia Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson Street, Batavia. There is no charge as the project is funded by the Batavia Parks Foundation, though donations are happily accepted (check or Venmo to Batavia Parks Foundation).

Permanent Art Installation Contributions Welcome!

Batavia’s Rock Garden welcomes contributions from artists of all capabilities. A limited number of painted stones of varying sizes will be selected for the permanent installation portion of the garden. If you would like your rock art to be considered for the permanent installation portion of the new rock garden, please submit a .jpg or .png digital design to bataviaparksfoundation@gmail.com by June 1, 2024 to be considered.

Partners and collaborators in Batavia’s new painted rock garden project include the Batavia Park District, Water Street Studios, and community volunteers. Members of the community interested in joining the garden planning team, please email bataviaparksfoundation@gmail.com.

History of the Batavia Parks Foundation “Peace in the Parks” Projects

Craig Foltos had a dream some twenty years ago to place 12’ "PEACE ON EARTH" letters on the bicycle-pedestrian bridge in downtown Batavia, IL. That dream came true through his efforts alongside volunteers, who donated resources and time to build the letters. In partnership with the Batavia Park District, the message of hope was proudly hung annually on the "Peace Bridge" during the Christmas season.

In 2022, the Batavia Parks Foundation teamed up with Foltos, who had already raised $4,000 through donations and merchandise sales, to activate the permanent art vision. The Batavia Parks Foundation launched a community campaign in May of 2022, securing letter sponsors, selling “Play it Forward” raffle tickets, accepting donations, and selling merchandise that all added up to $50,000 on December 21, 2022. The new PEACE ON EARTH artwork was installed by the Batavia Park District and dedicated on November 26, 2023. The new peace in the parks Initiatives are being developed by the Parks Foundation to amplify efforts with the Peace Bridge to further engage the community in finding peace in the parks and spreading kindness. The new garden area is being designed in 2024 with installation dependent on painted rock contributions to the garden.

This press release was produced by Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.