Plans to return rocket to Minneapolis park take off .
The Brackett Park Rocket, a 35-foot-tall rocket-like structure once clambered on by generations of kids, will again tower over the Minneapolis park. Erected in 1962 as a symbol of America's entry into the space program, it was put into storage in 2004 after safety concerns were raised about it.
By fall, the rocket is expected to be back in the park, located at E. 28th Street and 36th Avenue S. But it will be a sculpture to be admired, not climbed upon.
Twin Cities artist Randy Walker reconceived the rocket's setting. The original rocket will be mounted on a 10-foot-high concrete column and centered on an oval-shaped pathway. It will have 84 metal cables that will be lighted at night, making it visible from the new Midtown Greenway.
The Brackett Rocket Boosters, a group of park neighbors, and Forecast Public Artworks need to raise $50,000 to re-erect the rocket. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Friday at the newly reopened Town Talk Diner, 2707 E. Lake St. Cost is $10. Children 6 and under eat free. Rocket jewelry will be sold. Donors are sought for each of the 84 cables. It's expected that the rocket will be dedicated in the fall. The city has agreed to include it in its collection of permanent artworks.
That rocket has humongus memories for me. I thought there was more than one though. There was a huge one and some smaller ones. Real popular in the late 60's. Damn Ian. That is cool!
I can't imagine why they're not around any more. I know it was the only place where your parents could never reach you if you lipped off and said you didn't want to go. There's no way they could fit through those holes.
Kollin works for Minneapolis Parks golf courses in the summer, and last year he locked his keys in his car. After dear old dad rescued him, I spied the rocket. It's by the park maintenance buildings, and it's accessible on public roads.
I don't remember seeing one there. And if there was I don't think they would let anyone play on it since they were deemed unsafe many years ago. I'd love to see it though. Even if it is just used as a monument type thing.
Where are all the geo-threads? Especially the CCC
I didn't touch Ian's threads.
Sorry, I don't check this much. :-(
It's gotten pretty darn quiet around these parts.
What's up with disabledminds?
Plans to return rocket to Minneapolis park take off
.
The Brackett Park Rocket, a 35-foot-tall rocket-like structure once clambered on by generations of kids, will again tower over the Minneapolis park.
Erected in 1962 as a symbol of America's entry into the space program, it was put into storage in 2004 after safety concerns were raised about it.
By fall, the rocket is expected to be back in the park, located at E. 28th Street and 36th Avenue S. But it will be a sculpture to be admired, not climbed upon.
Twin Cities artist Randy Walker reconceived the rocket's setting. The original rocket will be mounted on a 10-foot-high concrete column and centered on an oval-shaped pathway. It will have 84 metal cables that will be lighted at night, making it visible from the new Midtown Greenway.
The Brackett Rocket Boosters, a group of park neighbors, and Forecast Public Artworks need to raise $50,000 to re-erect the rocket. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Friday at the newly reopened Town Talk Diner, 2707 E. Lake St. Cost is $10. Children 6 and under eat free. Rocket jewelry will be sold. Donors are sought for each of the 84 cables. It's expected that the rocket will be dedicated in the fall. The city has agreed to include it in its collection of permanent artworks.
For information call Jack Becker at 651-641-1128.
That rocket has humongus memories for me. I thought there was more than one though. There was a huge one and some smaller ones. Real popular in the late 60's. Damn Ian. That is cool!
I remember it being way bigger than this though. Maybe it was because I was smaller?
Here's how I remember it.
have pics of it. it's laying on the ground, at mpls parks across from fort snelling
I can't imagine why they're not around any more. I know it was the only place where your parents could never reach you if you lipped off and said you didn't want to go. There's no way they could fit through those holes.
Do show pix Ian. I'm looking myself too.
They're all too fuckin' big, even when I cut'em in half. I'll do some cropping when I have time.
My browser resizes anyway. Looks fine. Is that anywhere near here?
Nah, I mean I can't upload them.
Fort Snelling ballfields
Kollin works for Minneapolis Parks golf courses in the summer, and last year he locked his keys in his car. After dear old dad rescued him, I spied the rocket. It's by the park maintenance buildings, and it's accessible on public roads.
cool...don't they have one of these rocket thingys at central park in roseville?
you beat me to it kitch - I was just gonna post that there is one in Central Pk in Roseville. SW corner NEAR THE FLAG POLE! :(
joe
I don't remember seeing one there. And if there was I don't think they would let anyone play on it since they were deemed unsafe many years ago. I'd love to see it though. Even if it is just used as a monument type thing.
nah, i was just by the flagpole. Joel? Tami?