The City of Valparaiso’s Birds of Paradise sculpture scavenger hunt took flight with a kickoff at the Rotary Library Garden, complete with the artists, sponsors, and family-friendly crafts and entertainment. The Birds of Paradise scavenger hunt features 10 sculptures of native birds hidden throughout Valparaiso’s downtown.
“Bird on the street is that this sculpture scavenger hunt will have people of all ages flocking to our downtown for the year-round self-guided activity,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. Each sculpture is an original by local sculptor Chad Copeland and clever clues for the hunt are included in a coloring book of original bird illustrations by local artist Melissa Washburn, including information on the bird and a link to its original song or call thanks to Indiana Audubon. The coloring book of clues, a package of colored pencils and a prize for completion are available year-round at the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library System. Information is also available at tinyurl.com/ValpoBirds.
The Birds of Paradise project was conceived and managed by the City of Valparaiso, with financial support from the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, Indiana Dunes Tourism, and generous community sponsors. The City of Valparaiso has partnered with Porter County Public Library System, Valparaiso Creative Council and Indiana Audubon Society to enhance the project. Sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Patricia Crise; Gold Sponsors Bryan & Kari Bennett Family, Ethos Insurance + Risk Management, The Frataccia Family in honor of Ric Frataccia and Rin Seibert, Hines & Son Inc., Lyp Family, Megan & Stu Summers Family, Peddlers Pizza Pub, Thorgren Tool + Molding, Valparaiso Creative Council; Silver Sponsors 1st Source Bank, Chester Inc., HealthLinc, Valparaiso Democratic Committee, and Valparaiso University; and Bronze Sponsors Kyle & Maggie Clifton; Hot Shop Valpo; Luke, Amanda, Kenzie, Landon and Abel Ledyard; The Mirochna Family, OnePointe Management, and Pines Village Retirement Communities.
For photos, which can be shared, visit https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tk1ay9yuerngvj3slbal6/h?dl=0&rlkey=2p5ychsds0xuwsnai5ftnk9ad. Photos have been provided by the City of Valparaiso, Porter County Public Library System and Indiana Dunes Tourism.