+ Panther sculpture brings life to park

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. December 9, 2010

The bronze panther sculpture can be found at the east entrance to Linear Park. SHANNA FORTIER

Palm Coast Observer
News

Wildlife in Linear Park is here to stay — in the form of a bronze panther statue. The statue, which has been permanently installed at the east entrance to Linear Park on Palm Coast Parkway just west of the toll bridge, was given to the city by the Gargiulo Art Foundation.

The bronze beauty was created by local artist Paul Baliker, who is nationally renowned for his naturalistic focus on wildlife native to Florida.

“This is the first piece of sculpture donated to our city, but hopefully it will not be the last,” said Bill Butler, Palm Coast’s landscape architect. “Our Beautification and Environmental Advisory Board is preparing a draft of guidelines for future donations, with assistance from local galleries and artists.”