We suspect we’ll see this in other MiLB ballparks: a 15-foot-high public sculpture at the new home of the Hillsboro Hops (short season A; Northwest League) will feature color-changing, sound-activated LED lights.
Devin Laurence Field, a regional artist, has been commissioned to create “Barometer,” designed to reflect the mood of the park According to Field, “the piece takes the overall triangular form of the baseball diamond held aloft by columns and illuminated with color changing, sound activated LED lights. The laser-cut skin of the diamond form is adorned with intricate patterns of baseball bats and balls [and other sports equipment]. Around the sculpture are various ‘instruments’ people can play, a giant horn, a rattle roller, drum sets and chimes that together form a symphony of sounds. When no one is at the park there is no colored light, when there is noise it lights up — the louder the noise, the brighter the light. The art is a veritable Barometer of excitement for the ballpark.”
The new sculpture will cost $60,000; the ballpark budget covers $50,000 and a gift from Hops owners Laura and Mike McMurray covers the rest.
The new $15.2-million ballpark is slated to open June 17, hosting the former Yakima Bears.
Rendering courtesy of the city of Hillsboro.
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