Derrick Floor park getting new life as Oil Patch Plaza

Twenty years after the creation and dedication of the three bronze sculptures that make up what locals call The Derrick Floor, the grassy knoll at Sixth and Main streets is transforming from a simple, historic landmark into a lively and interactive playground and picnic area.

In honor of the upcoming centennial celebration of the Illinois No. 3, the inaugural Artesian well, Artesia MainStreet (AMS) has distributed funds provided by a local benefactor to update The Derrick Floor park, which will now be named Oil Patch Plaza.

Referenced by AMS Executive Director Morgan Fox as “the brainchild of Elisabeth Jackson,” former director of the AMS, the Oil Patch Plaza will feature larger than life musical play equipment and five picnic tables.

Fox expressed the play area is meant to be as inclusive as possible for all ages, sizes and physical ability levels. As a result, most of the play equipment and two of the picnic tables will be ADA accessible. Though there will be no permanent shaded coverings over the tables or equipment, AMS will keep umbrellas close by for use during events and public gatherings, wind permitting. Irrigation will also be improved to ensure the area is as hospitable as possible.

The color scheme of the giant chime, xylophone and various drums complements local artist Kirsten Mauritsen’s topographical mural, installed last September on the Oil Patch Plaza pumphouse, the unofficial beginning of the Oil Patch project. The Artesia Arts and Cultural District (AACD), a part of AMS, will also be installing a new student mural on the west side of the Plaza pumphouse.

Though the student has not yet been announced, AMS and AACD hope for the mural to be completed in time for the Oil Patch Plaza’s grand opening on June 15, when the Plaza will host the “Kid Zone” section of the Centennial Celebration, featuring a water slide, snow cone truck, food trucks and foam fun.

Until the grand opening, excited or curious residents can view the area with caution but should avoid playing until construction is complete and all equipment has passed final inspections.

These projects and events are just the beginning of a lively summer at the Plaza. The Oil Patch Market, a farmers’ and makers’ market open to all artisans and food growers, will occur weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to sunset beginning June 4 through Aug. 6.

AMS is currently offering free registration to two nonprofit booths and two booths manned by kid-creators, hoping to build excitement for the market before it begins. Inquiry forms are available now at artesiamainstreet.com/farmers-market.