ROTARY CLUB 99 CENTENNIAL PLAZA

12/13/16 update: While the National Sculptors' Guild was in Little Rock this week, we installed some of the final donor blocks on the ​ROTARY CLUB 99 Centennial Plaza. The design is based on the Rotary Wheel emblem and it's symbolism. Designed by NSG's John Kinkade ​and Mark Leichliter National Sculptors' Guild
based upon the Rotary Wheel emblem. ​ [read below to learn more about the concept]

7/19/16:
​ROTARY CLUB 99 
Centennial Plaza
Little Rock, AR 
Designed by 
John Kinkade
​and Mark Leichliter
National Sculptors' Guild
based upon the Rotary Wheel emblem.

The Rotary Wheel emblem symbolizes work and involvement. The worldwide Rotary movement has real significance and tremendous potential. It has impressive statistics as to numbers of members, clubs, districts, and countries, international projects and contacts.
 
Beginning with the Rotary Wheel’s perimeter, there are 24 teeth. These could be seen as the clubs, each prepared and willing to engage with other clubs or organizations around the world, with the purpose of doing good. The 24 teeth also point outwards to the many directional activities of Rotary through its wide variety of international programs. 

​The solid blue and gold band, which supports the teeth, provides the strength which is needed to transmit power and hold the Rotary movement as one. It carries the inscription "Rotary International" and has four segments which represent the four avenues of  service. The six spokes bind together the hub and the rim. They represent the Districts, moving the power from its source to the working elements - the teeth, representing the clubs. The six spokes divided by the twenty four teeth is a mathematical reference to the Four Way Test. 

The central hub ensures that the whole gear runs true to its purpose: the power and the energy created when people of like mind and are committed to releasing this energy; "Service above Self".

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Curved concrete retaining walls measuring slightly over 4 feet tall will diminish in height and eventually be even with the surface grade. These walls will be stained or painted black and will have vines growing over them to soften their edges. The Plaza will feature eleven monolithic blocks lining the curved retaining wall to the northwest.  These stone blocks refer to the Teeth of the Rotary Wheel emblem. Made of Georgia Medium Grey Granite, which is a lighter grey color, these stone blocks will be more reflective in nature and less somber than black granite. 

Nine of the eleven blocks will be etched with 20 to 25 names each, serving as Name Recognition Blocks. The block at the entry will be engraved with the name of the Plaza as well as the Rotary Wheel emblem. The block at the other end of the curved retaining wall will have an explanation of the park and could contain the “updatable” signage and QR code.

All blocks will measure 4 feet tall, 33 inches wide and 24 inches deep.
Stone benches will be placed along the other, more gently-curved retaining wall. The Georgia Medium Grey Granite benches will measure 16 inches tall, 60 inches long and 16 inches deep. The seats and legs will be made of same material in a post and lintel 
construction. 

Each bench will be etched with one of the Four Way Test phrases: 
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The surface of the Plaza is yet to be determined, but possible solutions include poured concrete or 
decomposed granite gravel. The Rotary Wheel will be portrayed through spoke designs and could consist of 12” wide granite embedded into the Plaza’s surface or may just be lines scored into the concrete, depending upon cost.
The widest part of the plaza has a 48 foot diameter. At this scale, the Plaza is not so expansive that a small gathering of people feels exposed and yet, it is big enough that it can comfortably handle a larger group of visitors.  

We suggest using landscape materials that will honor the blue and gold colors of Rotary as shown in the 
ornamental shrubs and grasses. Shade trees will 
effectively cool the area in the summer months of July and August. 

Ivy on the walls will give the plaza a softer atmosphere and set off the benches and Name Recognition Blocks. We also recommend a low ornamental hedge, such as holly, between the retaining wall and the sidewalk to prevent people from jumping over the wall. 

The central Rotary Wheel element is to be made entirely of brushed stainless steel. It will be oriented to read from the sidewalk and placed where its shadow will cast prominently on the plaza. In this way, it becomes an iconic signage element defining the Rotary Plaza while also being an eye-catching landmark and photo opportunity. 

This visual landmark will measure nearly 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. At this scale, the iconic element will be instantly noticeable, yet not over-bearing within the Plaza site.

The shadows shown in these design drawings reflect the true sun/shadow surfaces for Little Rock, Arkansas. The shadows cast off of the central landmark element give a sundial effect.   

The overall design of the Plaza positions the benches in more shaded areas of the site, whereas the Name Recognition Blocks are placed to remain predominantly in the sun.