Over 25 East Kessler Park neighbors, East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association (EKPNA) board members, and members of North Oak Cliff Greenspace joined together to dedicate the sculpture “Cyclist, Walker, Jogger” by artist Joe Whitney on the morning of Saturday, June 16, 2018.

This playful, energetic and colorful sculpture was selected by the North Oak Cliff Greenspace Art Selection Committee to be the first of a series of sculptures to be purchased and placed alongside the Coombs Creek Trail.  At Whitney’s request, this work was situated adjacent to the trail running through East Kessler Park, on the island at Junior Drive and Kessler Parkway.

While Whitney’s sculpture was selected due to its quality, design and relevance to the Coombs Creek environment, Greenspace was thrilled to have donated a work by an Oak Cliff native and long-time East Kessler Park resident.  Whitney, adopted from Greece when he was eight years old, has lived in Oak Cliff since his arrival in the United States and has become a leading citizen in our community, having served as chairman of the board of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, helped found North Oak Cliff Greenspace, and was a founding member of Sunset High School Alumni Committee. After retiring from building numerous homes throughout the Oak Cliff area, Whitney has developed into respected local artist; his quirky figures gracing the trees along Coombs Creek Trail have amused cyclists, walkers, and joggers for many years. His newest sculpture will be maintained by EKPNA.