New functional sculpture at Cools Pond in B.X. (L to R:) Tyler Welfing, artist, CarveWel Creations; Amanda Shatzko, RDNO Electoral Area C director; Bob Fleming, RDNO Electoral Area B director (Photo credit: RDNO)

By Pete McIntyre

Place to rest

Functional sculpture added at Cools Pond

Jun 9, 2022 | 2:00 PM

People who visit Cools Pond will now have a place to cool their heels as they take in the tranquil surroundings.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has installed a new functional sculpture at the 3.7 acre environmentally-sensitive site at the corner of L&A and Rimer Roads in Greater Vernon’s B.X. area.

A bench made out of western red cedar by chainsaw carver Tyler Welfing that has been added at Cools Pond. (Photo credits: RDNO)

The RDNO and the Arts Council of the North Okanagan invited artists last year to submit proposals for public art to enhance the area known for its waterfowl and Red Painted Turtles.

“The proposals were evaluated by a diverse panel of artists, and along with skill-related qualifications, there was a strong desire to select artwork that reflected the natural environment of the site,” a news release from RDNO stated.

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After reviewing the proposals, the panel awarded the contract to pro-chainsaw carver Tyler Welfing of CarveWel Creations.

Welfing created a two-winged bench out of western red cedar with turtles on one end, a duck at the other, and two herons at the center. The bench faces the pond, giving park visitors a unique spot to rest and take in the sights and sounds of Cools Pond.

RDNO Electoral Area B director Bob Fleming, Electoral Area C director Amanda Shatzko and Welfing gathered at the pond on June 7 to celebrate the installation of a new bench.