About the Roundabout

I remember when they first put in the roundabout on 23rd and Severance here in Hutchinson. The only change to the road structure to cause even close to the amount of chaos and confusion to local motorists in my lifetime has been the dual left turning lanes onto 17th from the mall parking lot. 

"It's so European," one of my friends said in an effort to assuage my negative comments about the roundabout. "It's so unnecessary," I retorted. In my defense, I was in high school still, so I was negative about everything.

Well, we've had the roundabout for several years now, and everyone's gotten used to it. I did some research into it, trying to find the benefits the roundabout may have provided since it was put into place. I found this interesting document on the K State web site. Before the roundabout, traffic from the Kansas State Fair caused massive amounts of congestions (which I remember). The document also goes on to mention "… 19 right angle crashes in a period from February 21, 1996 to November 28, 1997." I can see how it has done some good.

One question, though: what the heck is that on top of it? I know someone made it, and all, but what is it? I've discussed with it a few people, and they're not sure, either. Whatever it is looks kinda cool, but I think it might be time for a change. The current thing on top has run its course, and I believe we can use the roundabout more to our advantage. With minimal brainstorming and my none-too-prodigious Photoshop skills, I've come up with a couple of ideas:

Let's show that our town is progressive by approaching the number one internet company about advertising on the roundabout. It's not like they don't have the money.

Hungry?

Ok, I exaggerate. There aren't 15 locations. You get the idea of this one, though.

Put it to work

Let's turn it into a convenient stop for anyone interested in a payday advance loan. Those things are already spreading like a bad rash.

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Users' Comments (20)

Posted by patsyterrell 05-29-2008 13:38, , Registered   You may have done more to encourage people to appreciate the art at the roundabout than anyone in the art community has been able to do since it went up.     While I love the idea of google investing in our community, hopefully we can find a better way. Nice artist's rendering there, though. I love the delicate balance on the Google logo. You obviously have an artist's eye.     There's an interesting story about the artist's thoughts when that was created, but I'm not the person to tell it. Someone else will do a better job and hopefully they'll chime in here soon.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Jason Depew 05-29-2008 14:00, , Registered   That was very amusing. Thank you.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by mitchellhargrave 05-29-2008 14:05, , Registered   I'm not sure if you mean I've done more to encourage people to appreciate the art of the roundabout because I painted it in an ironically positive light (which I'd hoped to do) or because my ideas were so bad, that others will now be glad for what they have. Either way, I'm glad to do it.    I sincerely hope someone does chime in with the artist's thoughts while creating it. I'd be interested in knowing   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by patsyterrell 05-29-2008 16:30, , Registered   I was thinking more of the "ironically positive light" way... but whatever you like.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by aj barnes 05-29-2008 23:15, , Guest   I don't know why I know this but before they decided to put that "sculpture" (if you will) on the round about, the city of Hutchinson was actually putting a giant statue of a Prairie Dog.    Imagine the accidents that would have caused...   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Bobulele 05-30-2008 08:43, , Registered   What about just having actual prairie dogs living in the center? That wouldn't be distracting would it.     I have always appreciated the round-a-bout. I think I was 1 of 2 people who spoke in favor of it at the Council meeting before the final vote. I very eloquently stated that I thought it would be "a lot of fun" and it is!     I was against having art or landscaping in the middle though. It seemed like it would make it less safe. However since then I don't think it has affected the navigation much at all.    Peace!   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by karen 05-30-2008 10:44, , Guest   I wish it were a little bigger so you could actually drift around it......that would be fun.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by patsyterrell 05-30-2008 10:51, , Registered   I loved the idea of the roundabout. Not only is it fun - which I do think should be considered in such decisions - who doesn't need more fun in life... but it also just makes sense for traffic flow. I would love to have one at that weird intersection at Plum and Fourth.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by mitchellhargrave 05-30-2008 11:07, , Registered   I wonder if a series of roundabouts could fix the 11th and K61 intersection. Could you imagine how complex that would have to be?   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by patsyterrell 05-30-2008 11:14, , Registered   I doubt that would work on K-61 just because of the speed concerns. Although, of course, in England roundabouts are everywhere instead of our typical interstate exits. We just haven't made the jump yet to thinking about them here.   » Reply to this comment...

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