Gravity Course

Artist

Joe McGrane

Year

2017

Location

Dragonfly's Lair- Located on Wakerobin Lane, just east of Regency Drive – near Webber Middle School.

Description

Gravity Course is an interactive public artwork envisioned by local artist Joe McGrane and in collaboration with the City of Fort Collins Utilities Department, Webber Middle School faculty, and City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places. The artwork reinforces and complements an interpretive trail and sign system developed by Webber Middle School students that speaks to the storm drainage and water quality functions of the open space. Gravity Course, located on Wakerobin Lane east of Regency Drive, will serve as an overlook, amphitheater and gateway to the new interpretive walkway.

As part of Gravity Course, the “Collecting Stone” is a map that illustrates the storm drain system that collects storm water from the neighborhood and feeds the pond area. The map can be activated by pouring water over the stone where it can flow through drains and channels and into the basin. Another primary feature of Gravity Course is a series of three “Basin Stones” that are placed alongside the steps leading to the bridge. These interactive, carved stones illustrate three functional values of the stormwater area: water quality, infiltration, and detention.

Photos

Gravity Course overlooking Dragonfly's Lair interpretive walkway

This image shows detail of the interactive "Map Stone," which illustrates how storm water travels through the neighborhood drain system and into the pond area. The map is activated by pouring water over the stone.

Detail of "Basin Stones" which illustrate one of three functional values of storm water area: Water Quality, Infiltration and Detention

Detail of the interactive "Infiltration" Basin Stone

Artist Joe McGrane installing Gravity Course

Artist Joe McGrane carving the "Map Stones" in his studio