A Corner Transformed: How Perry Employees Brought Art to Life
If you’ve driven through Historic Downtown Perry recently, you’ve likely noticed a new kind of beauty at the intersection of Ball Street and Main Street. The latest landscape installation isn’t your typical garden bed – it’s a one-of-a-kind blend of art, creativity, and sustainability designed and built entirely by the City of Perry’s own Public Works team.
A Fresh Take on Downtown Design
The idea for the project started when City of Perry Public Works Superintendent Ansley White began looking for ways to reduce the ongoing cost and maintenance that came with traditional seasonal flowers while still keeping downtown vibrant and inviting. “I wanted to come up with ideas that would reduce the cost and ongoing maintenance we had with all the seasonal color,” White explained. “It needed to enhance downtown in a different way, something creative, long-lasting, and still beautiful.” So she dreamed up a new approach - themed installations that combine landscaping with handcrafted art pieces. After presenting the idea to City Council, the concept was approved, and Perry’s team got to work bringing it to life.
Built by Hand, Right Here in Perry
What makes this project truly special is that nearly every element was designed and fabricated in-house. White worked closely with the City’s Vehicle Maintenance Division, whose employees are certified welders. Together, they transformed her concepts into reality. Turning sketches into stunning metal art and decorative displays that now anchor the landscape. “William Bell, Adam Pollard, and Blake Westmoreland, all from Vehicle Maintenance, fabricated every art piece,” White said proudly. “The dragonfly sculpture was something they came up with independently, and it’s been a favorite feature for a lot of people walking by.” Even the wind chimes were made by hand using repurposed materials already on hand at Public Works. “We didn’t have to buy much,” she said. “A lot of this was made from old equipment reels or leftover tubing. It’s all about being resourceful and creative with what we already have.”
A Team Effort with Local Flair
After the metalwork was complete, the Landscaping Division took over, installing the plants and decorative elements that tie everything together. The result is a space that reflects Perry’s charm and craftsmanship while highlighting the talent of the City’s own employees.
“This project was truly a team effort,” White said. “Everyone played a part from design and fabrication to installation.”
What’s Next for Downtown
The Ball Street and Main Street corner is just the beginning. White shared that the next phase, already conceptually approved, will focus on the 800 block of Main Street, right behind City Hall.
“We’re waiting to complete the current lighting upgrades before starting that phase,” she said. “Eventually, the goal is for all of downtown to have these themed areas. Each one will have its own unique look but tie together to create a cohesive downtown experience.”
Where Creativity Meets Community
The new landscape installment is more than an upgrade – it’s a symbol of Perry’s creative spirit and the pride city employees take in their work. What once was a simple flower bed has become a conversation piece, a photo stop, and a testament to what can happen when imagination meets craftsmanship. So next time you’re downtown, take a closer look at the intersection of Ball and Main. You’re not just seeing art – you’re seeing Perry’s innovation, built by the hands of those who call it home.
