A Springfield artist has begun transforming a dead cherry tree at Phelps Grove Park into a large-scale nature-themed sculpture that is expected to be completed within about a month, weather permitting.
The project is taking shape near the park's flower garden, according to a community announcement. Sculptor Louis Medlock started carving the 13-foot trunk Sept. 14 after the cherry tree died in 2025.
The artwork will incorporate plants and wildlife commonly seen in the park, including a red-tailed hawk, owls, squirrels and a fox. Sunflowers and other plants found in the adjacent flower garden also will be featured in the design.
The finished sculpture will remain the natural color of the wood, with staining and highlighted details. It will be sealed
with polyurethane.
Medlock's carving background began in ice sculpting while working as a chef at College of the Ozarks. He later moved into ice sculpting full time and has created works across the United States and internationally, including aboard cruise ships. He won the 2024 Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships Double Block Competition. More information about that event is available at icealaskaphotos.com.
Artist creating hometown landmark
A Parkview High School graduate, Medlock said that the project has personal meaning because it is being created in a park he has known for years.
“Every road around Phelps Grove is a route from a former time in my life, and it brings a smile to my face knowing I’m making something that will be here for a while,” Medlock said in the announcement. “I’ve done a lot of projects, but they’re mostly far away. Most of my friends and family, they’ve only seen photos — they can come see this one in person.”
Medlock said in the announcement that Connie Ryan, a master gardener working with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, and volunteers with the Phelps Grove Flower Garden helped identify elements that could be included in the sculpture. The final design, however, was created by Medlock and drawn by hand from multiple perspectives.
Community support behind project
The project is being funded by Phelps Grove volunteer and neighbor Fran Giglio, who has supported numerous garden improvements at the park, according to the announcement.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is providing scaffolding and operational support while Medlock is donating his labor.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield artist carving wildlife sculpture at Phelps Grove Park
