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Local nonprofit Silas Education outlines expanding riverfront 'solar system' markers across Richland parks
Summary
Trevor McDuff of Silas Education updated the commission on a multi-site outdoor solar-system installation: 15 markers completed (7 in Richland), a 40-foot-diameter 'Sun' at the REACH Museum, QR-enabled plaques, and plans for a passport program and student field trips.
Trevor McDuff, founder of Silas Education, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Nov. 13 that a multi-site outdoor solar-system installation has grown to 15 markers, seven of which sit within Richland parks and waterfront trails.
"I'm the founder of Silas Education...we have 15 markers done, and 7 of them are right here in Richland, stretching from the Trident Veil up north all the way down to the REACH Museum," McDuff said. He described a centerpiece at the REACH Museum — 40-foot-diameter steel arches representing the Sun — and basalt-and-Corten-steel markers elsewhere that include stainless-steel plaques and QR codes linking to maps and educational materials.
McDuff said the full system, when complete, will span roughly 64 miles and that his group hopes to expand to about 40–45 markers. The project uses a mix of student-designed sculptures and simpler basalt columns; three sculptural pieces are in active talks for fabrication. McDuff outlined a 'solar system passport' that would encourage school groups and families to visit multiple markers and collect rubbings of astronomical symbols on plaques.
The project received support through the city's Parks Partnership program, and McDuff noted partnerships across the region — Visit Tri-Cities, the REACH Museum, Benton City, Prosser and Kennewick — and an upcoming Earth Day ribbon-cutting at Columbia Park to celebrate a new Earth marker and a community cleanup.
Commissioners asked technical questions about scale and materials; McDuff said the markers are scaled to the same diameter-to-distance relationship as the Sun marker at the REACH and described durable Corten steel intended to develop a protective patina. He also reported initial placement north to the Trident's tail (Saturn) and a Jupiter installation at Howard Amon Park.
Next steps: staff will close out the Parks Partnership grant reimbursement after the required presentation; Silas Education will continue to pursue sites, funding and regional partners for additional markers and sculptures.
