Lorraine L. Hultquist Music Park dedicated at Rockland Park

Sculpted Music Park benefactor Lorraine LeHew Hultquist shows how it’s done following the dedication ceremony. Photos/Roger Bianchini

At 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, November 29, County officials gathered to dedicate and officially open the outdoor music park created through a donation by Lorraine L. Hultquist.

County Parks & Recreation Director Dan Lenz moderated the event.  Ms. Hultquist and Supervisors Tony Carter and Tom Sayre made remarks.  Front Royal Mayor Hollis Tharpe, North River Supervisor Dan Murray and members of the Hultquist and LeHew families were among spectators.

Lenz explained how Ms. Hultquist brought the idea of an outdoor musical park to him after having seen one on a family visit out west.  The sculptured, all weather instruments are described as “Multigenerational Interactive Play” designed for “all abilities, all ages – Everyone Can Play” the dedication program observed.

Views of the dedication through a percussive array of tubular bells, gongs and what have you.

The “all abilities, all ages” description was proved true as two local reporters who will go unnamed – I won’t give you up, Josh – tried every instrument out in an impromptu jam upon their early arrival to the event.  The performance even motivated colleague Malcolm Barr Sr.’s Husky Pola to add a showcase howl or two between belly rubs from County Administrator Doug Stanley’s son Whill.

Youngsters of ANY age were attracted to the sculptural instrument garden – below, Doug and Whill Stanley get in tune.

And while it is a long drive from town out to Rockland Park – I want to play some more (oops, I gave myself up too, Josh) – there was some talk of additional music parks on the horizon in the county system. – And the in-town Eastham Park near the river walk and county dog parks seems an appropriate destination, the county administrator hinted.

Thank you, Ms. Hultquist for a wonderful addition to the county parks system.

The Lorraine LeHew Hultquist Music Park sign is unveiled; and the family is coaxed forward for a group portrait.

Music Park howler Pola the Husky gets a rewarding belly rub from Whill Stanley during pre-dedication down time.