Who else is gonna bring you a concrete arrow?

September 11, 2009 4:28 PM

What is this giant concrete arrow for?

Next to my favorite walking path, there is a giant arrow, made of concrete. It poured so that it is slightly raised (about an inch or two) above the ground. It measures about 15 feet across. It was broken (the tip) at one point and *repaired*, so I'm thinking it's important enough to have at least some (semi) regular upkeep. It points towards the path, but if you are walking on the path, it seems to be pointing at nothing in particular. Doesn't seem to be any sort of aviation marker, as there are many power lines, telephone lines, etc, in the area, and it would be difficult to put any aircraft down there.

Here it is.
Google Maps

The white line thru the center is the walking path. You can see the arrow above it. It's about 15 feet-ish long. Further examination shows that it was inscribed while it was still wet. "R. Hood. Sherwood Forest." Curiouser and curiouser. What is this thing, MeFites?! It's been bothering me for almost a year now!

One theory is that it's pointing out the building that you see below the path, which has security gates, and no identifying markings to show what it is. Another theory is that it's just some sort of art piece. Another was my theory that it was pointing out the concrete walk/bike path as a possible emergency landing strip for airplanes in distress. Yeah, my theory sucks!!

What's yours?!?

posted by Spyder's Game to grab bag (9 comments total)

Is the thin black rectangle at the flat end a sign?
posted by R. Mutt at 4:36 PM on September 11

Image

posted by R. Mutt at 4:38 PM on September 11

Another image that's closer-up with the inscription.
posted by katillathehun at 4:39 PM on September 11

Hey R. Mutt! Yes, that's a billboard. Whoa! Where'd you get the image from? Nice!
posted by Spyder's Game at 4:39 PM on September 11

History and friends of the Chandler Bikeway.
posted by R. Mutt at 4:53 PM on September 11

Where'd you get the image from?

FYI, Google Street View works on that map link you posted. You can see the sign from many angles, in pretty decent resolution.
posted by knave at 5:13 PM on September 11

your arrow reminds me of my favourite bike path art item, its a bit hard to understand from an overhead google maps angle, its a roll of of bike path unrolling like a roll of carpet
posted by compound eye at 5:29 PM on September 11 [2 favorites]

That is surely artwork, as it has no conceivable practical purpose. Cities do not maintain curvy concrete arrows that point to nothing.

I think what you should do is contact city hall, ask what its purpose is, and then report back for our edification.
posted by cj_ at 2:55 AM on September 12

It's a long shot but it could be a super fancy stereophotogrammetry target. There are white three pointed stars painted on black backgrounds around one of the universities in Calgary for this purpose.
posted by Mitheral at 8:12 PM on September 17