Blog

Feb 26, 2025

Stone arch will be entrance to new Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden

The look of the new sculpture garden alongside the Abilene Convention Center is now clearer as design elements are announced. "We are excited to debut Phase I of the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden,"

The look of the new sculpture garden alongside the Abilene Convention Center is now clearer as design elements are announced.

"We are excited to debut Phase I of the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden," said Abilene Cultural Affairs Council Marketing Director Sidney Levesque. "This will be a great addition to the Storybook Capital of America and another opportunity to attract visitors to the Abilene Cultural District."

The garden will on the western side of the Abilene Convention Center.

Levesque said Phase 1 will be completed by June 12 when the Children's Art and Literacy Festival commences. Matt Phelan's characters will be the first to inhabit the garden, rendered into metal by artist Steve Neves.

Levesque added that Phase II, the completion of the garden, should be completed in time for CALF 2026. That will be when the CALF celebrates the work of Winnie the Pooh artist E.H. Shepard.

Rockworks, LLC has been contracted to design an arch for the entrance to the Clear Fork Storybook Garden for Phase II. That work will commence at the conclusion of this year's CALF.

The company's work can already be seen in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden on the Convention Center's east side. Sponsored limestone benches with engraved quotes and dedications are just a few of the samples in the downtown area of their work.

Levesque said there are still stone benches available in the new garden. They are available for a $2,000 donation and feature a quote and dedication. Edging stones for the garden's pathway are also available with a $150 donation and are etched with your family's name or whomever you wish to honor.

“Rockworks is honored to be entrusted with this next phase of the Storybook Garden,” the company said in a release. “We look forward to collaborating with community partners and contributing our expertise in natural stone engraving to help further the mission of this unique cultural site.”

More:Fed cuts could pothole the road for Meals on Wheels

More:New restaurant in the works for Abilene