Pioneer Crossing Park - Shawnee, Kansas Shawnee, Kansas' newest park, Pioneer Crossing Park, was a source of controversy, as Shawnee residents questioned spending nearly a million dollars on the stone & bronze sculptures and a narrow wedge of park land. The 2.2 acre park is on land that previously was a used car lot. Pioneer Crossing Park features two sculptures designed by local artist Charles Goslin. Goslin's original sculpture of a wagon train has been re-created in a life size, 3-D brick monument. The sculpture of Dick Williams, Wagon Master is created in native limestone and bronze. This park was dedicated as a Sesquicentennial Project when Shawnee celebrated it's 150th birthday in 2006. Pioneer Crossing Park includes native grasses and plaques commemorating each of the pioneer trails that crossed through Shawnee city limits: The California Road was a trail though the lads of the Shawnee Indians, running west from Westport through present day Johnson and Douglas Counties. This route was used throughout the 1830s and 1820s by Indians, missionaries, and surveyors.A flight of 57 steps at the east end of the park lead up to the children's play area pictured at the bottom of this page. The play area can also be reached from another street.
copyright 2007-2015 by Keith Stokes |
