In early 2025, the City of Jasper approached us to discuss the future of the Peace Park, the pie-shaped green space at the north end of Main Street next to the Kirby-Quinton Cabin and the Old Jail. Since we had installed the Kirby-Quinton Cabin Edible Pickens garden, the idea was to carry the theme to the garden spaces at the park. We enthusiastically accepted this new project and collaboration.

The Peace Park had previously housed a marble and water installation designed by Artist in Residence, Eino. Over the years, the installation had fallen into disrepair, and was recently removed by the city due to safety concerns. The area became overgrown with holly bushes, roses, and other invasive and prickly plants. The city cleaned up the park, removed the unfriendly plants, and opened up the space to make it much more inviting.

Our staff spent a few months measuring the beds, selecting the plants to use, and designing the new layout.  On May 17^th, Keep Pickens Beautiful volunteers, including the new KPB Teen Squad, and City of Jasper workers joined forces and replanted the Peace Park. The planters were filled with fresh top soil, plants and seeds were added, a Peace Path was cut into the grassy area, and wildflowers were seeded along the path. Next time you’re in town, stop by the park and check out the new plants.