Park-goers may notice a new addition to the recently remodeled Community Park in the form of two larger-than-life flowers.
The 14-foot metal sculptures of two orange coneflowers were installed Monday morning at the park.
Perched on top of the flowers are curious bumblebees, and a collection of mushrooms can be seen at the base.
The Jefferson City Arts Foundation commissioned the sculptures from local metal artist Chris Felber.
Felber, who works as a welder in Jefferson City and surrounding areas, designed and welded the sculptures using steel. They were then sent to Xtreme Body and Paint for their bright color coatings.
Observant viewers may notice a familiar shape at the base of the sculptures. The "flower pot" bases and mushrooms are made from decommissioned water hydrants donated by Missouri American Water.
Leann Porello, cultural arts specialist with the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said the idea behind the sculptures began with those donated hydrants.
When Missouri American Water donated to the building of the splash pad at the park, they asked that the donated hydrants be used in some way near the splash pad.
Porello said they decided to use them as the base for a public art project, which became the flower pots for these large flowers.
Porello said the artist chose to make coneflowers, which are also planted around the park.
After 14 months of construction, the new Community Park at 725 Marshall St. opened in July. The park now features a large climbing structure, splash pad and other playground equipment along with a two-sided pavilion.