Sunflower River Art Park
Coahoma Collective
Clarksdale, Mississippi
2020
Partners
SMM engaged with Coahoma Collective to develop a preliminary plan to expand the existing Sunflower River park into a multi-layered, arts-driven experience for the Clarksdale community and those who come to visit.
Plan of the proposed linear art park set in the existing park between Riverside and Sunflower Avenues, along the banks of the Sunflower River.
As part of this design-led, community-inclusive process, SMM created a robust vision plan that invites people into the park to explore by including sculptures, new sites for river-side musical and theatrical performances, wildflower super-blooms, safe, well-lit sites for picnics and field trips, and walking & nature tours that explore the social, geological, hydrological significance of the Sunflower River.
An important aspect of this project was around the community engagement process. A stakeholder meeting that included various city agencies, community organizations and residents was held to gauge interest and solicit initial feedback on a plan to expand the existing Sunflower River park into a multi-layered, arts-driven, community experience.
A super bloom was planted in 2020 as part of the strategy to establish an affordable maintenance regime that will be practical and achievable as well as a community asset and draw for visitors.
