More or less situated in the center of this area is a shallow, man-made lagoon, also constructed in 1936. There is a fountain in its center, from which a spray of water is jettisoned.

For several years following World War II, miniature paddleboats took fairgoers for rides around the lagoon. These stopped operating sometime during the 1960s or '70s.

In 1985 the lagoon was temporarily drained in order to construct a sea serpent-like "environmental sculpture garden designed by artist Patricia Johannsen. It was funded by the Meadows Foundation. It is uncertain whether everyone is enamoured of this somewhat new addition but children seem to enjoy scrambling all over it.

The lagoon is also the backdrop for the Marta Pan floating sculpture, two large red orbs that circle and float apparently according to the winds and currents.

The lagoon houses a variety of aquatic life including cat-tails, lily pads and turtles. Ducks were resident here for decades but for some unknown reason are no longer present.

Copyright © 2002-2003 by Steven Butler. All rights reserved.