An award-winning chainsaw artist captured a lasting memory by creating an otter sculpture out of a dead tree at the revitalized LeFleur’s Bluff playground.
Dayton Scoggins put his incredible wood carving skills to work this week and formed a wood carving of “Spotter the Otter,” a popular mascot for the playground and the inspiration behind the Spotter’s Adventure Trail and Spotter’s Snack Shack at LeFleur’s Bluff.
The idea of the mascot and sculpture originated when a Mississippi Museum of Natural Science staffer spotted a playful otter on the museum’s trails and captured the interaction on video.
“Our goal is to create an environment where art, nature, and play come together in a meaningful way,” Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Director Angel Rohnke said. “This incredible piece of art by Dayton Scoggins adds a touch of magic to LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, inspiring curiosity and joy for all who visit.”
According to a press release, the 21st-century, 30,000-square-foot playground is separated into different play areas based on age, for children ages 6 months to 12 years old. It features 80 play activities, 73 of which are inclusive to children with accessibility needs.
All structures on the playground promote physical activities — from providing greater freedom to run, jump, and climb, to supporting reduced stress levels.
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