John Muir Memorial Park is a small, contemplative space that features a larger than life sculpture of John Muir, sitting in nature. The bronze sculpture was done by Phillip Levine, who is a Washington-based artist. His sculptures can be found throughout the Northwest. History Link provides an interesting article about Levine, written by Deloris Tarzan Ament, which includes a photo of the artist standing next to the sculpture of Muir.
The park was dedicated on December 6, 1990. A plaque reads: John Muir 1838 – 1914. “I care to live only to entice people to look at nature’s loveliness.” According to the plaque, the park and sculpture were gifts to the community of Martinez from Shell Oil Company to commemorate its 75 years in Martinez.
The sculpture is larger than life and when you walk up to it, you feel like you are walking up to a real person. There is a feeling of humility, honor, and wonder when coming towards Muir. Much like when we walk in nature and we feel in awe of the beauty, one feels in awe of the image of this great man. John Muir is sitting with a notepad on his knee, with his pen held ready to write or draw. His body is open, and his head is turned as if acknowledging you when you walk in.
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The park is surrounded by a cathedral of twenty redwood trees, with Muir in the center. The circle pathway around the structure allows you to view the sculpture of Muir from every angle. Although there are streets on both sides of the memorial, there’s a feeling of being alone in nature, of being in a place that is at once untouched by man, and equally touched by the spirit of a man that helped to protect the beauty inherent in nature.
John Muir said, “After a whole day in the woods, we are already immortal.” He understood how the deep, rich beauty of nature renews our spirit, connecting us with the transformational energy of all life, that is nature.The park is a place to remember Muir and contemplate the peace and beauty in nature that John Muir memorialized.
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John Muir Memorial Park is located on the corner of Alhambra Valley Road and Alhambra Avenue. Take Alhambra Valley Road and quickly turn left into the parking area that allows about 3 cars. Parking is also available on both streets.
Through March 27, see . In conjunction with the exhibit, the Walnut Creek Library is featuring a display of books by and about John Muir.
John Muir’s birthday is April 21, which is Easter weekend, so this year’s John Muir Birthday Earth Day Celebration will be on April 16, 2011. The celebration is free and takes place at the John Muir Historical Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue.
Have you visited John Muir Memorial Park?
