The City of Storm Lake will begin construction of the Harmony Garden project on the Public Library/Witter Gallery grounds during the week of July 17-26, weather permitting. Harmony Garden will include seven fun outdoor musical instruments, gaming tables, device charging station, reading pergola and more.
City crews will do as much of the work as possible, starting with removal of degrading concrete that was original to the grounds when the library was built in 1971. A portion of the sidewalk and parking area in front of the library will be closed during the removal process. This should have minimal impact since the building was already planned to be closed during this period to upgrade library lighting to an LED system.
The project is funded in part through a T-Mobile Hometown program. Storm Lake is one of only 25 communities in the country to earn this grant, out of more than 400 applications in the cycle.
A future phase of the project is to include a deck with built-in seating to wrap around the building, allowing for outdoor classes and small performances. The concept is to develop the grounds into a more parklike setting and gathering place, in keeping with the City’s Downtown Master Plan.
The musical instruments, like our diverse community, draw from cultures around the world – from South America to Africa. Instruments included are:
* Imbarimba – an African inspired sculptural instrument combining the marimba and kalimba or thumb piano.
* Calypso chimes inspired by the Caribbean islands
* Babel steel pan drum from the United Kingdom
* Rainbow sambas drum set representing the music of South America.
* Blues tembos aerophone pipes from a design which date to ancient bamboo instruments used throughout Asia.
* Cavatina xylophone, which combines techniques from Italy and Mexico.
* A sunflower pedal drum for our smallest music lovers.
Most of the musical instruments are handmade in England by Percussion Play, the world leader in the industry.
Music is naturally the most universal language at our disposal and these chosen instruments can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Studies also show the positive impact of music as therapy for senior citizens and adults and children with developmental needs.
With the library, art gallery and now the instruments sharing a site, synergy is achieved with literature, visual art and music coming together to create a cultural hub for the community.