The South Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau on Wednesday announced plans to unveil a new sculpture at the Friends Good Will Splash Pad.
A large, steel Koi fish will welcome visitors to the Friends Good Will Splash Pad beginning on May 12th. The sculpture will be dedicated to Bob Burr, former mayor of the City of South Haven and an avid fisherman.
“Bob has been an integral part of the South Haven community for decades,” said Jennifer Sistrunk, Executive Director of the South Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From previously serving as mayor of South Haven for 8 years, to now serving on the South Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau board, Bob is very well-loved and recognized in our community. We are excited to honor his contributions to South Haven by dedicating this sculpture to him.”
Burr, who won his first term in 2009, recently announced that he will be running for his 5th term as mayor of South Haven, seeking election at the end of current mayor Scott Smith’s third consecutive term.
The sculpture was created by local artist Lou Rodriquez, who began sculpting metal in 2010. That same year, he entered Art Prize with an eight-foot-tall steel dragon, entitled “A Dragon for Jonas”, and was selected as one of the top 25 entries for the year by popular vote.
Over the last 13 years, Rodriquez has continued to build pieces for art competitions, while also doing custom work for clients. Rodriquez’s art can also be seen in downtown South Haven, where another metal sculpture, “A Moment of Joy”, is on permanent display in front of Clementine’s restaurant.
The fish sculpture will be unveiled during a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 12 at 4 p.m. Members of the community are invited to kick-off the summer season by visiting the Splash Pad during opening day. Splash pad hours will run from 10am – 8pm through Labor Day weekend.
About the South Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau
Representing both South Haven and Van Buren County at large, the CVB represents and supports their local lodging partners through efforts to bring additional tourism to the area. As a community partner, the CVB uses their funds to support community enhancement projects that make their hometown a better place to live, play and work for locals and visitors alike. Learn more at southhaven.org.
