Restored eagle sculpture unveiled at Riverside Park in La Crosse after 22-month absence
Sculpture's creator, Elmer Petersen, died in 2020
LA CROSSE (WKBT) — The newly restored steel eagle at Riverside Park was unveiled Wednesday after nearly two years of repairs.
Al Schultz worked dozens of weekends to restore the sculpture. He did so in honor of his late mentor, Elmer Petersen, who died in 2020.
“I just hope Elmer would approve of everything I’ve done,” Schultz said. “This was his vision, I just helped bring it back to life,”
On Wednesday, a crane hoisted the eagle into place. Community members reflected on what the steel sculpture means to them.
Army veteran Tom Merfeld spoke about the patriotic meaning behind the symbol.
“The eagle is freedom,” Merfeld said.
Meanwhile, Jay Odegaard, facilities director of the La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department, said, “It worked out great” that the sculpture is ready before the July 4 holiday.
Last year, the Parks and Recreation Department worked with the city’s arts board to create a sculpture donation form and a citywide art maintenance plan to evaluate city artwork and sculptures for possible future renovations.
“That helps us in our funding, in our budgeting,” Odegaard said.
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