Squid Jam & Jelly Preserve

Artist

Mario Miguel Echevarria

Year

2006

Location

Fossil Creek Trail Underpass at College Ave.

Description

This retaining wall shields the trail from the regularly occurring floods of Fossil Creek. As it can be dangerous for pedestrians using the trail if the creek flows over the wall and into the tunnel the artist, in cooperation with the City's Park Planning Department, designed a visual warning system to help identify water levels of Fossil Creek and alert path-users to its possible danger.

To help alert path users to any present danger, the design team has created dips in the wall, at strategic points, creating a "weir" for users to peek over and see the creek level. They have also incorporated a vertical viewing panel of clear material to expose the current water level with bright signs and indicators nearby delineating the relative danger required to navigate the tunnel.

In tandem with the warning system is a grouping of tile mosaic sea creatures that links the participant to the site and the prehistory of Fossil Creek. To set the stage for the floating sea creatures, the artist constructed an undulating wall, indicative of the massive ocean currents that once flowed throughout this space, helping imply that there is water behind it and thus enhancing the alert system.

Photos