Weaving tree saplings into this special neighborhood

Grove activist Glenn Terry recently volunteered with 40 others at Pinecrest Gardens to help world renowned North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty weave tree saplings (young willows from New York) into amazing organic sculptures  and art installations. The installations are there through Art Basel week.

Glenn brought the lessons he learned to his neighborhood in South Coconut Grove. There are three City of Miami owned empty lots that he and his neighbors have converted to an unofficial park. Glenn and neighbors are weaving a small tree sapling hut that will be great fun for local kids. It's location is the intersection of Palmetto and Plaza Streets.

Cities like Savannah are greatly enhanced and become more livable by having parks in many neighborhoods. Coconut grove can achieve the same success by converting these three empty lots into neighborhood parks. It's up to our community to request that their Commissioner and Director of Parks not let this opportunity be squandered. 

Right next door is the area known as Charlie's Woods. Named after the late Charlie Cinnamon and one of Coconut Grove's favorite residences.

"A group of Grovites are slowly turning vacant city land into a park.  Charlies Woods is one quarter of that project," says Glenn. "We have added benches, a picnic table. and now, an art project. Anyone can help us weave our primitivestick hut. It is being made using 400 willow saplings. They were 'leftovers' from the huge stick sculpture recently created at Pinecrest Gardens."

Commissioner Ken Russell is seen here weaving with his son, August.

This is the 1919 house. A developer has his eye on the property and is expecting to build another big white box. It's sad to think that this house is destined for demolition, unless it could be granted historic designation or perhaps be relocated.

"These four lots have been unused for 100+ years. Most think they're private property. Charlie's house has been used as the developer's office for the last three months. Now, he's moved out, cut off the electricity and has a demo permit. A neighbor filed an appeal and it will be heard on December 20 at 6:30 pm.  It will be a shame to lose this last remnant of Charlie and the Old Grove in our neighborhood," said Glenn.

Ken's daughters with the historical sign that Glenn made in honor of his neighbor and friend Charlie Cinnamon.

By Harry Gottlieb