In the heart of Collinsville, IL, at Woodland Park near the Optimist Pavilion, a colorful serpent has begun to wind its way through the grass. But fear not—this serpent is made not of scales, but of stones. Each painted rock, added by a member of the community, extends the length of “Rockie the Rock Snake,” a community art project that’s bringing smiles and a sense of togetherness to Collinsville.

A Spark of Inspiration at Woodland Park

The idea slithered into Collinsville thanks to Jay Merkel, a local father and business owner known for his auto-detailing shop, Extreme Detailz. Inspired by a similar project shared on Facebook, Jay saw an opportunity to replicate the joy and community engagement in his own town. With a simple post on The Collinsville Connection Facebook group, Jay set the stone rolling: “I’m going to start a rock snake this Friday at Woodland Park. Feel free to have your kiddos custom paint a rock and help it grow.”

The Community Responds

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Jay’s initial invitation, accompanied by a photo of Rockie’s beginnings and a playful sign, ignited a wave of enthusiasm across Collinsville. Families, children from Lilypad Learning Center, and individuals alike flocked to the park, each contributing their own creatively painted rocks to the growing serpent. Rockie wasn’t just a rock snake; it became a canvas for the community’s creativity and a testament to its unity.

Participate and Paint

Rockie the Rock Snake embodies the spirit of inclusivity and fun. “It’s all about having fun and enjoying our community with our families,” Jay explains. The process is simple: paint a rock, add it to the snake, and be as creative as you like. This simplicity, coupled with the joy of adding to a collective artwork, has families excited about a wholesome activity they can do together.

The Impact

The impact of Rockie on Collinsville has been positive. Jay Merkel shares, “Love seeing the kids smile and working together. Feel free to come add to Rockie.” His initiative has not only created a fun destination within Woodland Park but also fostered a sense of pride and collaboration among our town’s residents.

How to Join

The rock snake is an ongoing project, welcoming contributions from anyone with a rock, some paint, and a little creativity. Located at Woodland Park, which is open from 6AM to 8PM, Rockie continues to slither along, growing with each new addition. There are no plans yet for what comes next, but the success of Rockie suggests this may just be the beginning of community-led art projects in Collinsville.

Aaralynn Merkel, Age 10; Jayson Merkel, Age 6 pose with the Rock Snake at Woodland Park in Collinsville.

Foster Positive Community in Collinsville!

Rockie the Rock Snake isn’t just about seeing how long the snake can get; it’s an invitation to participate in community life, to contribute to a collective artwork that symbolizes unity, creativity, and the simple joys of being together. Rockie the Rock Snake may be made of stones, but it’s the heart of Collinsville that keeps it growing.