“The Triangle” is revealed in Quincy

Many of you who live in Quincy have probably noticed a lot of activity on the piece of property that divides downtown Quincy. The island on the west entrance that separates the east and west traffic flow has been fondly dubbed “The Triangle.”

The Triangle was revealed today, Nov. 12, when organizers gathered to put the finishing touches on the project. “It was transformed through an amazing, collaborative effort,” Jeff Kepple said before the unveiling. Kepple, is a member of Labor of Love, one of the groups involved in the effort. He thanked a number of organizations and individuals for their involvement.

His remarks were followed by a few words from Carolyn Rouse who expressed her appreciation for the “recognition of indigenous people and the honoring of the Maidu people.” Kris Miravalle, representing Soroptimist of Quincy, and Dwight Pierson, representing Quincy Rotary, briefly commented on their groups’ involvement before it was time to unveil the cornerstone rock and beautiful sculptures.

The triangle is located in front of the Quincy office of the California Highway Patrol, and Kepple thanked Officer Matt De La Montanya for placing the cones around the area when the groups were present. Check the area out the next time you drive by.

How it came to be

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This triangle measures 91 feet long and at its widest is about 46 feet.  It is considerably bigger than it looks.  Perhaps many have wondered whose job it is to maintain it?  Though under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, it had historically been cared for by Brad Blust, owner of Plumas Glass. When Soroptimist Valerie Nellor heard there was talk that the triangle would be covered in concrete, she brought it to the attention of Soroptimist International of Quincy.  The Soroptimist Club took it over and landscaped it with bushes, bulbs, flowers, rocks and boulders. They have maintained it for over 20 years.  In recent years, they were joined by Rotary, Quincy Chapter, to help with weeding, wood chips and watering.  Unfortunately, as time went by, the weeds became more aggressive, bushes became overgrown and the Triangle was just too daunting to keep up.  Also, with many of the clubs’ members aging or moving away it simply became unmanageable by the few hands available.

Early in April of this year, a committee of six was formed to discuss what could be done to help transform and beautify this piece of property into something more attractive and welcoming.  The newly formed committee members — Kris Miravalle, Dwight Pierson, Frank Carey, Jeff Kepple, Tracy Kepple and Carolyn Rouse — set off by meeting early Tuesday mornings at Quincy Provisions to discuss and formulate a plan.

One of the goals was to lessen the need for continuous maintenance and to lower the water requirements. Thus, they utilized a high grade Geocloth throughout covered by rock and bark. A new and efficient drip system was installed by Frank Carey, with all of his labor donated. The group also desired to make it artistic, noticeable and welcoming.

A large, beautiful, and engraved boulder will now anchor the East side (narrowest part) of the triangle.  This is generously donated by local resident, William Jacks, of Stonehenge Signs.  Engraved on the boulder are the words, “Quincy, Est. 1854.” Additionally, after working with local native, Dana Galloway, the Maidu expression for the American Valley, as it was referred to for centuries prior to European settlers, is included. The English translation of the engraved Maidu phrase is the following: “Violet Valley is Mountain Maidu country.”

Coursing through the center of the Triangle is the “River.” This river (no water flowing of course) will be flanked by native shrubs and boulders. Up and down the river you will be able to see trout swimming and jumping.  On the sides you might catch a glimpse of a small sedge of Sand Hill Cranes standing and protecting their young.  These beautiful metal sculptures were made and generously donated by local resident, Dave Sims.

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Many hands have been hard at work to help create and see this vision come to life. From its inception, this project has been unique in its collaborative effort. Organizations such as Labor of Love, Soroptimist International of Quincy, Rotary Club of Quincy, and Quincy High School Service Club have donated funds and/or labor to the project.  Furthermore, several local individuals interested in this project have all come together to assist. They have all worked hard to remove weeds, trash, old weed cloth and shifted many, many rocks! The large boulders, unwanted shrubbery and hard packed dirt could not have been accomplished without the help of Tom Vaglivielo.  The group said Tom did an amazing job maneuvering his mini-excavator around the tight spaces of the triangle, while avoiding any damage to the myriad of utility access points.

The project materials costs have been funded by several local organizations. Organizers would like to thank Soroptimist for financing the watering and landscaping for the last 20 years, and now for donating toward the landscaping. Thank you to Rotary of Quincy for generously funding the new watering/dripper system.  And Bread for the Journey, a charitable organization that raises and provides seed money in the local community, by giving “micro-grants to people with ideas to make this community more vital and healthy and just” for a generous grant to fund the Geo-Cloth and Doug Fir bark. Thanks to Cindy Robinson and Nick Polzak for significant discounts on supplies and materials. “To all the hard workers and to those who honk and give us a thumbs up as you drive past.  With all your support this little part of Quincy will be a place we can all be proud of as we drive past the “Community Triangle” which has now taken on a life of its own,” organizers conclude.

Anyone interested in helping with future work/weeding parties, please email or call Kris Miravalle at [email protected] or 520-283-2788.