8 Miles in 63 minutes on a great morning, 65 degrees, in lovely downtown Little Rock. Headed south this morning from my office down Scott Street all the way to Roosevelt, where I slipped under the Interstate, ran through the Little Rock National Cemetery, and headed back North up Confederate Blvd., and then College (I think), before getting my bearings at the 4 Mile mark and entering the Heifer International Global Village (and International HQ) from the south entrance. Jogged along the path behind Heiffer and the Clinton Presidential Library, crossed over the old Rock Island (Clinton) pedestrian bridge, reconnected with the River Trail in North Little Rock, and headed back east. Crossed back over the Junction bridge, another of Little Rock's pedestrian bridges crossin the Arkansas River, and "toured" he Riverfront Sculpture Garden behind the Peabody Hotel, which is near the finish line of my hometown race, the Little Rock Marathon.
Very urban, gritty, fulfilling, and insightful run. Little Rock/North Little Rock has a lot to offer, and unfortunately, many of its residents know nothing about such opportunities. For example, who knew that Little Rock had a well-endowed and vibrant public arts committee contributing to the quality of life of the City's residents. In October, the Sculpture in the River Market Committee will host the sixth annual Sculpture in the River Market event, featuring local and national artists, public and private showings, and a public art competition with the winner awarded a $60,000 commission to instal a work in Riverfront Park (along the Arkansas River). Check out the link below if you want more information:
http://www.sculptureattherivermarket.com/
Finally, Little Rock features a number of sculptures tied to Arkansas historical events, individuals, etc., including the Little Rock Nine sculpture, Testament, which was dedicated to the Little Rock Nine on the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Central High Crisis. The installment of this piece received national press, such as the USA Today article at the link below:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-08-29-Littlerock_N.htm
It's sort of like my recent trip to Detroit, which was excellent. People often have preconceived notions about a place despite having never been there. They judge it based on a snapshot of what they see on the news or hear third-hand from someone who was there for a two-hour business trip. There are some great U.S. Cities out there that do not receive enought credit and/or get a bad rap based on infamous, historical events. Respect the history...but focus on the present.
Wesley
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