Case Studies

Established in 1964, Crawford Memorial Park spans more than 266 acres in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, offering a variety of amenities and abundant natural beauty. The expansive green space attracts thousands of visitors year-round to its soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas, playgrounds and two-mile walking trail loop.

Recognizing the importance of this popular public gathering space, local officials are continually exploring ways to further enhance the park’s appeal. Recently the City has embarked on an update to the park, which includes the lengthening of the loop trail, a new playground and a much-needed expansion of the parking lot to accommodate users. As part of this effort, the idea to commission public art was also proposed to underscore the park’s cultural significance to the community.

Brad J. Goldberg, a renowned artist who works at the intersection of sculpture, landscapes and the built environment, proposed an innovative concept that was well-received by decision-makers and the public alike. His vision involved a natural stone installation to serve as both an artistic centerpiece and a functional public gathering space, set in a beautiful but underutilized location in the park. After years of funding challenges, a successful bond election finally set the project into motion.

From design through approval, Goldberg was in close contact with Coldspring. “Whenever a project involves natural stone, Coldspring is always one of the first partners I connect with,” he said. “We’ve completed many projects together over the years, and their expertise and attention are always exceptional. They know how to keep projects like this one moving smoothly through design, fabrication and delivery.”

Set beneath a canopy of majestic oak trees and surrounded by dense vegetation, Comunidad is a captivating fusion of form and function. This multi-piece granite sculptural display doubles as an inviting gathering space — a series of community tables — offering ample seating for visitors to connect and use in many ways.

The installation comprises four distinct elements: two elliptical picnic tables spanning 80 and 30 feet, each with accompanying benches; a 30-foot-long seating element; and a versatile elliptical platform to be used as a performance stage or other purposes. Complemented by five nearby public grills located by the artist, the space can comfortably host up to 100 people, making it the perfect venue for large-scale community events and social gatherings.

Comunidad showcases a harmonious blend of granite colors, each carefully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic. Golden Brasil was chosen for the picnic tabletops, additional seating area and stage, with Kenoran Sage^® used for the benches surrounding the tables. Mesabi Black^® forms the 16 supporting sculptural bases for the picnic tabletops, creating a striking contrast. This color palette results in a visually captivating artwork that integrates with the natural environment. The entire project incorporates 1,043 square feet of granite.

Skilled artisans at Coldspring global headquarters in Cold Spring, Minnesota, crafted each component of the installation. The project demanded intricate CNC machining to achieve the complex contoured edges and gradual curves required, while the sheer size and unique shapes of the pieces posed additional challenges. Some elements weighed several thousand pounds yet remained fragile during handling and transport.

The installation process, managed by the nationally acclaimed Dallas-based stone masonry company Dee Brown Inc., required similar levels of precision and care. Large extended-boom tractors were maneuvered to protect the surrounding oak grove and other trees while delivering the massive pieces. Each element had to be perfectly leveled and placed within tolerances of only 1/16 of an inch to ensure a seamless fit.

The install team also had to work around curious onlookers who gathered almost daily to watch the project in progress through protective barrier fencing. Once construction concluded and the fence was removed, the space was instantly embraced by visitors, who naturally gravitated to the area and interacted with it precisely as the artist had envisioned.

Comunidad is now a vibrant centerpiece of Crawford Memorial Park, drawing a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Families, wedding parties and Quinceañera celebrations frequently animate the space, while countless hikers and others pause individually or in small groups to rest and soak in the surroundings. The installation is meticulously maintained and kept clean by park crews and visitors alike, reflecting the community’s deep collective sense of pride and ownership.

Comunidad received a 2024 Pinnacle Award from the Natural Stone Institute in the Public Landscapes/Parks/Memorials category.

“Coldspring played a key role in ensuring that this project turned out truly exceptional, because we share a deep mutual understanding of one another’s capabilities that pushes everyone to excel at their specific role,” Goldberg said. “It is so gratifying to see Comunidad getting such constant use from the public and that this will continue be a popular destination for generations to come.”