By CHERYL ROMANO/Lincoln Chronicle
YACHATS — What’s the story with the big pink rock and the new benches at the corner of U.S. Highway 101 and West Fourth Street?
The answer becomes official at 2 p.m. Saturday when volunteers stage a ribbon-cutting for the new, tiny park now being dubbed “Crystal Corner.”
Called Keeping Yachats Beautiful, the group has worked for seven years to boost the visual charm of downtown Yachats with flowers, shrubs and hard work.
Until the group stepped in under Shrock’s leadership, the dirt strips that line Highway 101 through downtown Yachats were just that — strips of dirt, pocked with tar and debris after sidewalks and bike lanes were installed in 2017. The next year, inspired by an idea from Rose Valentine, the two women started working and recruiting others to plant flowers and shrubs along the downtown core.
Now the daffodils and heather brightening the roadway are joined by two benches and a giant chunk of gleaming rose quartz.
“We wanted to have a focal point — a sitting area,” said Shelly Shrock, head of the beautification group. So she approached Marc Taylor, owner of the local rock and fossil shop Styx, Stones ‘n Bones. “He said, ‘I have the perfect stone.’”
That stone is a giant crystal of pale pink rose quartz, which some believe has properties of heart, love and community, Shrock said. Taylor not only donated the rock, but also paid for its installation.
“This was a big collaboration between the city’s Public Works Department, Angell Job Corps and city manager Bobbi Price,” Shrock said.
Working with a budget of $4,000 from the city’s beautification fund, the group spearheaded the construction of the mini-park, which features two benches and the rose quartz on a concrete pad. But creating the new park was more than just a desire to beautify.
“The sidewalk and the road at that corner were starting to erode from lack of support,” Shrock said.
Saturday’s ceremony is open to all; refreshments will be served.
“People just really, really appreciate what we do,” Shrock said. “They love the flowers and the color, and now, they have someplace to sit, too. That’ll be especially helpful during the Farmers Market.”
Shrock works with a core volunteer group that includes her husband, Dean; Valentine, Michael Hempen, Lynn Schellhase, Carl Meibergen, and Mary and Phil Lumley.
Other volunteers pitch in as they’re able, and new hands are always welcome to help with the weeding, mulching, planting and watering.
“There’s no commitment,” Shrock said. “We try to give people a week’s notice on the work; if they can come, great.”
Those interested in aiding the efforts may email Shrock at Shelly@DeanShrock.com
- Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to Lincoln Chronicle, formerly YachatsNews. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com
Fantastic. One of my first memories of Yachats was a storm drain, not far from this installation.
Someone had taken the time to glue 3/4” diameter glass globs (colored stained glass) to the curb right next to the drain.
They sparkled in the sunlight and caught my eye. Also there was the spray painted fish on the road: dump no waste drains to beach(stream? Ocean? Can’t quite recall the words.) I was so attracted to the art … everywhere.
Also, special thank you to Marc. What a beautiful, meaningful gift.
Crystal Corner — the perfect place to sit and “people watch” during a warm sunny day. Once again Cheryl Romano brought us brought us a delightful story to read. A big shout out to all the volunteers along everyone who helped make this happen. As the saying goes: “It takes a village.” Great story; looking forward to more. Thank you.
Thanks to all those who make Crystal Corner possible. It will become an iconic spot for Yachats. It already has. BTW, Lincoln Cronicle is a great name.