The pool is long gone, having been replaced by the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center on the east side of the city.

Now the park near Seventh Street and 14th Avenue North invites people for a quieter form of recreation – strolling a path and admiring art work.

The park’s new role was celebrated Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Ambassadors of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

Saiya Noborikawa, a Fort Dodge Senior High School student who is the youth representative on the Fort Dodge Public Art Commission, said the site is a reflection of a community that “values creativity and shared spaces that bring people together.”

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Called “August,” this sculpture of flowers was made by Tommy Riefe. He also made the sculpture in front of Fort Dodge Regional Airport and the base for the eagle in front of the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center.

She said the park will help to grow the community.

“This is truly a gift to the community,” Councilman Cameron Nelson said.

That gift presently consists of a sidewalk people can take to look at three sculptures. There are spots for two more sculptures and the plan for the site envisions artworks scattered throughout the property.

The sculpture closest to North Seventh Street is a metal pair of flowers entitled “August.” It was created by artist Tommy Riefe, who also made the sculpture in front of Fort Dodge Regional Airport and the base for the eagle in front of the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center on North First Street.

There is also an arrangement of lumber called “Basic No. 71” created by Matthias Neumann. Eric Anderson, the director of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, said Neumann flew from New York City to Sioux City, then drove to Fort Dodge. Anderson said he went straight to Menards on Fifth Avenue South to get the materials, then created the art work on site.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
This artwork, called “Basic No. 71” was made by artist Matthias Neumann right on the grounds of Exposition Park.

There is also a pole with multi-colored panels on it called “The Feather” created by Kirk Seese.

All three of those artworks will be on display in the park for about a year, and then will be replaced by others.

While artworks will be continually rotated in and out of the park in the coming years, Recreation Director Lori Branderhorst said there will also be some permanent ones. Those permanent ones may be pieces that children will be allowed to climb on.

A picnic pavilion is also planned for the northwest end of the park.