Rock Snake winds its way around lake and captivates community
–For the past seven months, over 3,500 colorful rocks have been placed around Atascadero Lake Park to create a Rock Snake, a community art project aimed to bring people together during COVID.
The art installation was created by Wanda Kohl of Atascadero, who painted the first rock to resemble a snakehead and placed a sign that reads, “This is a Rock Snake. Add your painted rocks and let’s see how long it’ll grow!”
Members of the Facebook group “SLO Painted Rocks” provide updates on the length of the Rock Snake, pictures of newly added rocks to the Rock Snake, and support for community bonding and artistic expression, along with information and pictures of other painted rocks on the Central Coast.
The painted rocks are lined up, with some in small groups that share similar themes of animals or positive messages. The rocks curve around the lake and are currently around 1,200 feet long. The rocks are decorated based on pop culture, holiday themes, inspirational messages, or abstract designs.
Families and children, dog walkers, and visitors to the lake can be seen strolling along the Rock Snake, pausing to admire the painted rocks and enjoy the calm lakeside environment. As the Rock Snake grew, popular interest grew about the qualifications of the Atascadero Rock Snake for the Guinness Book of World Records for the “Largest Display of Painted Pebbles/Stones”.
The City of Atascadero recently updated the community on the Rock Snake and future plans.
“We are excited about the Rock Snake and the participation it has generated from the community and beyond,” says Terrie Banish with the City of Atascadero. “Due to this level of participation, we have been asked to look into the Guinness Book of World Records to see if it would qualify. More to come! In the meantime, keep adding to the Rock Snake!”
The overall feeling of excitement, appreciation, and joy can be felt through Facebook posts celebrating this endeavor and those who visit the Rock Snake to admire and contribute their painted rocks.
