The planets align in Phoenix Park
With a fundraising goal that’s nearly reached, Eau Claire residents will soon be able to “walk among the planets”, so to speak, in Phoenix Park. The Eau Claire Planet Walk, which has been in the works for a couple of years, may soon become a reality.
If you don’t remember, or are unaware, of this project, here’s the skinny: Dr. Paul Thomas, a UW-Eau Claire professor, has been working to create a scale model of the solar system – a walk a little over a mile that would begin in Phoenix Park, make its way along the Chip, then eventually conclude with “Pluto” on the UW-Eau Claire campus.
The fact that the walk begins downtown and ends on campus is no coincidence; in fact, it’s downright significant. What the creators of this venture are hoping to convey is the important link, as well as the many partnerships, between the residents of Eau Claire and its college population.
And all they need is another $5,000. Thus far, various donors have contributed $19,000 – money that will be used to actually design and create the walk’s planet markers.
They’re estimating, if they reach this financial goal, that visitors will be able to “walk” the solar system by fall 2012.
