Uncommon Grounds preview shows Edmond sculpture park taking shape

Construction is underway on the 62-acre Uncommon Grounds sculpture park in Edmond, and organizers expect it to open in 2027 while continuing fundraising toward a $50 million goal.

Construction equipment and stretches of dirt mark the 62-acre site at NE 2 and Coltrane along Route 66 where Uncommon Grounds is being developed. Melissa Pepper is the park's executive director and has been giving tours of the site. The project is a public-private partnership planned to open in 2027. Organizers describe a mix of sculpture, nature spaces and community amenities across the park. Key details: - Site covers about 62 acres at NE 2 and Coltrane along Route 66. - Planned opening in 2027 with a public-private ownership model; land will be deeded to the Park Conservancy Trust with the City of Edmond. - Current features under development include ponds, trails, a 37-foot Eagle's Nest by Rand Elliott, and sculptures stored and ready for installation. - Park plans include about 60 sculptures, a three-acre children's playground, an 11-acre wooded area with hiking trails, a two-acre dog park, a Tallgrass Stage and a 60,000-square-foot event lawn. - The project has raised $41 million and is seeking a total of $50 million from public fundraising. - The Edmond Fine Arts Institute plans a 25,000-square-foot facility on site; Rand Elliott is the architect, Lingo is the contractor, and HFSD is the landscape architect. Summary: The park is intended as a community gathering place combining art, play and nature and is already showing early installations and landscaping work. Organizers are continuing construction and fundraising ahead of the expected 2027 opening, with further installations and finishing work planned as funds and schedules allow.