Photo by Kate Aydin The Hendricks Foundation announced the completion of Ardor Square, a Main Street beatification project in Hendricks. The small park was designed to be the focal point of Main Street area. The sculpture was installed in 2004 in recognition of the city’s centennial celebration.

HENDRICKS — Twenty years ago, the Hendricks Centennial Committee worked with local sculptor Scott Wallace to create a focal point at the south end of Main Street. But through the years, that focal point needed some help.

“There was fence that was deteriorating and the lighting was terrible and there was always weeds. It wasn’t wheelchair accessible or handicap accessible. It just had seen its better days,” Kate Aydin said.

Aydin serves as secretary on the Hendricks Foundation, which announced the completion of Ardor Square beautification project.

According to Aydin, the project was inspired by her father, Russ “Tut” Smith, who served as president of the foundation.

The Foundation, along with a group of Hendricks residents, worked together with Confluence of Sioux Falls to develop the landscape design plan which was finalized in December 2013. Other Foundation board presidents whose leadership contributed to the success of this project include Dean Nielsen and current President Alden Olsen.

“We thought, hey this is Main Street. We really could spruce the end of Main Street and make this little park the focal point for people who come down Main Street and maybe stop and notice this wonderful piece of public art — the sculpture,” Aydin said. “And maybe sit and take in a little bit of he environment. It’s a working environment in town, so there’s a lot of noise around there too. But that’s part of Hendricks. It’s a hard working town.”

She said the flowers and other plantings were just put in the beginning of June. The city of Hendricks provided the money for handicap and pedestrian ramps, while the Hendricks Economic Development Agency provided $5,000 for construction. The rest of the costs were covered by donations to the foundation.

The Hendricks Foundation is a 501(c)3 Organization that has a nine-member board of Hendricks residents. The Foundation depends on monetary gifts, memorials, etc. that are 100% invested in the community, and includes involvement in student scholarships, local non-profits, the hospital, school, Veterans Memorial Park, the Community Spirit Award and the Fourth of July picnic. The Main Street Clock is another completed project sponsored by the Foundation.

No date has been set for the dedication of Ardor Square because of the COVID-19 pandemic.