Giant rocks spin as new public art is installed in Jean Sweeney Park
Published on August 23, 2022
Last week, after years of anticipation, artist Zach Coffin successfully installed two Rockspinners in Jean Sweeney Park.
A Rockspinner is a multi-ton boulder, engineered to safely, easily, and silently spin with a single push, compelling viewers to interact and explore while creating a sense of place and an opportunity for fun. The two interactive sculptures, named Ghost and Oumuamua, are situated between the restrooms and the zipline and adjacent to the pedestrian path, respectively.
“For over 20 years I have been taking large rocks and turning them into improbable playthings, a series I call Rockspinners. I am delighted to bring two of my latest to this lovely island I call home,” said Alameda-based artist Zach Coffin. “The story behind the creation of Jean Sweeney Park is an inspiring one of not accepting the given narrative. I hope these works, Ghost and Oumuamua, inspire a re-thinking of gravity, friction and mass, as well as being unexpected and fun to play with. Thanks to the great folks at the City of Alameda that made this happen and tolerated the innumerable delays these past few years.”
Ghost, one of two Rockspinners by Zach Coffin in Jean Sweeney Park. Image courtesy of Maurice Ramirez.
Zach Coffin’s Rockspinners were selected by the Public Art Commission in 2018 following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process and was funded primarily out of the Public Art Fund, with Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) covering costs associated with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“As we continue to bring more public art into Alameda Parks, Zachary Coffin’s Rockspinners are a wonderful example of what is possible with kinetic, interactive art that everyone in our community can explore together, from our youngest children to our seniors,” said ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge. “The Rockspinners are bringing people together to play, marvel and for many adults, to re-discover their curiosity and wonder.”
Oumuamua, a Rockspinner by Zach Coffin, located along the pedestrian path. Image courtesy of Maurice Ramirez.
“Zachary Coffin’s Rockspinners are a delightful synthesis of art, science, engineering, nature, and play, and a fitting addition to Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. As soon as they were installed children and adults started gleefully making multi-ton boulders spin like tops,” said Public Art Commission Chairperson Adam Gillitt. “The PAC is grateful to the artist for his interaction-provoking works and the wonder they will inspire for decades to come!”
To learn more about the City’s Public Art Program, please visit www.alamedaca.gov/PublicArt.