PRAIRIE ROOTS UPDATE #3
Moon Gate & Sound Panel Designs
 On Tuesday, October 22, representatives from the Woodstock Public Library staff and the Prairie Roots committee visited McHenry County College (MCC) to review design proposals from five graphic design students under the guidance of Instructor Violet Luczak. The projects included concepts for the large moon gate, envisioned as a welcoming entrance to the Bayton Outdoor Space, and a triptych of panels designed to function as both a sound baffle and visual screen. The presenting students were Declan Egan, Daisy Gaona Castillo, Ash Ash, Sam Jones, and Ashley Nies. Once a design is chosen and finalized, they will be fabricated in CorTen steel by MCC welding students, led by Instructor Gaylord Rodeman.
 
Student standing in front of a screen displaying a mock-up of the design.
MCC graphic design student Ash Ash showing a rendering of one of her three proposed designs for the Bayton Outdoor Space.
 
Student standing in a front of a screen showing drawings of her design.MCC graphic design student Ashley Nies sharing the design inspiration for her designs for the moon gate and sound panels.
Bike Repair Station
 
An orange metal pillar with bike repair tools next to a bike rack by the library entrance.
Bike repair station near library entrance
 
Fix-It Station
Now available at the library - a bicycle repair station! The station includes tools needed for repairing bicycles - including an air pump. The holding bar at the top allows bicyclists to lift the bike to do the repairs. Not sure how to use all the tools? https://www.bikeride.com/guide/ has video tutorials on many common repairs.
Water Feature
One of the latest addition to the Prairie Roots project is a beautiful water feature.
 
Located to the right of the library entrance, the basalt towers with flowing water create a peaceful, calming atmosphere. A stone bench will soon be installed nearby, offering a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Three black basalt stone pillars surrounded by river rock in the middle of a plant bed next to the brick library building.
Coming Soon
Musical Chimes & Horse Statue
The base for the rocking horse statue, donated by Susan and Michael Gullotto, has been laid and we hope to have the statue installed this month. "Planted" near the horse will be three musical chime flowers that allow young and old to create music while enjoying the gardens. 
 
Support Prairie Roots
Through the Prairie Roots Project, we are transforming our libraryโ€™s outdoor spaces into vibrant, sustainable landscapes that restore native habitat, support pollinator health, and create interactive spaces for all ages and abilities.
DONATE
Click the link to donate to support the Prairie Roots project through the Friends of Woodstock Public Library's Give Lively
Prairie Roots campaign.
Prairie Roots Donation Opportunities
 
Moon Gate - $20,000
A custom-designed moon gate: created by McHenry County College welding students
and crafted from weathered Cor-Ten steel the moon gate will form the
entryway to the Bayton Space.
 
Musical Flower Chimes - $10,000
Outdoor musical flower chimes: interactive instruments will be placed near the
childrenโ€™s area and pollinator garden, inviting play while connecting young visitors
to nature through sound.
 
Sound Baffle - $10,000
Sound baffle wall: designed and built by MCC students, this feature will provide an artistic backdrop
for outdoor programs while reducing noise for neighboring properties.
 
Educational Nature Signs - $7,500
Nature signs: informative markers placed in the planting beds to educate visitors
about native plants and their role in a healthy ecosystem.
 
Stone Bollards - $5,000-10,000
Stone bollard benches: crafted from native stone, will serve both as safety features and
functional benches, blending seamlessly into the Prairie Roots design.
 
Additional recognition opportunities are available, including select naming options. Please contact Laura Cullotta for more information.
 
Prairie Roots is more than a garden...it is a living landscape designed to...
 
๐ŸŒฑ Restore native habitat
๐Ÿฆ‹ Support pollinator health
๐ŸŒŽ Boost climate resiliency
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Encourage intergenerational nature exploration
๐Ÿ› Offer outdoor library programs to spark curiosity and play 
๐Ÿ” Foster understanding of native ecosystems and pollinator roles
Learn more about the Prairie Roots Project on our website
 
Woodstock Public Library
414 W Judd Street, Woodstock, Illinois 60098
815.338.0542
https://www.woodstockpubliclibrary.org/library