TRAVERSE CITY — There are a family of three turtles at Clinch Park. They were “born” in 1999 in the old zoo. They haven’t gone far because they’re very heavy. In fact, they’re made out of concrete.
Originally purchased by Bill and Vicky Anderson along with the former Zoological Society in 1998, the three concrete reptiles are a lasting tribute to veterinarian James R. Clarke.
“Dr. Clarke, my dad, was the co-founder of the Zoological Society in the ‘80s,” said Cathy Clarke Odom, eldest daughter of James R. Clarke, DVM. “He was really a beloved veterinarian. He was very kind and gentle with both pets and people alike.”
Originally from the Grand Haven area, he moved with his family to Traverse City in the mid-60’s just in time to assist in the expansion during the heyday of the Clinch Park Zoo, including building the otter exhibit.
Clarke, who was the co-founder of the TC Zoological Association, as well as known for the (now) Clarke-Everett Dog & Cat Hospital in downtown Traverse City, was recognized by the Andersons from a longtime family friendship that began with his sons and the Andersons’ sons playing football together at Central, then known as Traverse City High School (until 1959).
“[The Andersons] have really done a lot for the community as philanthropists, and they’re very quiet about it. But I think it’s nice to give them a little shout-out,” Odom said.
The couple have also donated to other community-loved spots, such as the TART trail, and a bench in commemoration of Clarke and his late wife Bernice, or Bernie.
However, over the past nearly-three decades, the trio of turtles have faced a little wear and tear from the sun, snow and community in Clinch Park.
With the paint slowly wearing, and a crack in one neck of the creatures, it’s safe to say they’ve seen better days.
“The Traverse City Parks Department is equally at a loss as to how to refurbish the turtles, so we thought we could put the problem out to the community,” Odom said. “It’s kind of a niche profession, refurbishing statues, and it’s hard to find the people that know how to do that.”
Between calls to the Traverse City Parks Department, the city, paint shops, and statue refurbishers statewide, Odom has had no luck so far finding people qualified to restore the reptiles to their original state.
“My siblings and I — there’s six of us — we would like to see them get refurbished, both for the public’s enjoyment and to keep our dad’s memory alive,” Odom said.
She suggested the project might be good for an Eagle Scout, the Northwestern Michigan College Art program, or other community arts and culture foundations that also love these reptiles, located in prime real estate by the beautiful bay.
Those who would be interested in helping restore the turtle trio can contact Odom at cathycodom@gmail.com.