Janesville  

Sundial: 1065
State/Province:  Wisconsin Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Analemmatic Dial Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 42° 40.231’ N  89° 00.461' W
Location:
  • Located at Lions Beach Park, 1200 Palmer Drive, Janesville, Wisconsin. This analemmatic sundial is situated along a pathway between the park swimming beach and the boat launch/fishing pier, and across Lions Pond from the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, WI.
 
Description:
  • This 21 ft x 16 ft (7m x 5m) analemmatic sundial has a landscaped area with seating and a stone pier that holds a bronze dedication plaque and a bronze information plaque with a QR code for additional online information. The central zodiac walkway is a 2,500 pound pre-cast concrete slab that includes images of regional plants and animals next to their corresponding months to represent seasonal cycles as a reminder that nearly all life on earth is connected to the relative motions and positions of the sun and earth. The bronze hour numerals and bronze cardinal point letters are anchored into poured concrete rings that surround the walkway. The analemmatic sundial is modeled after the one at the Milwaukee County Botanical Domes.

    This sundial was inspired by John H. Evans, a professor of physics and astronomy at UW-Oshkosh from February 1, 1961 – May 31, 1994. He dedicates it to his wife Joan, “the light of my life” and hopes that it will arouse in others a curiosity about our planet, sun and universe.
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: City of Janesville
  • Bronze Plaque "Human Sundial" that in part reads: "Installed in 2022 by the Evans family to honor the memory and legacy of Joan and John Evans, loving parents and grandparents."

    Bronze Plaque "How to use this Human Sundial" with instructions
  • Designer: Angus-Young Architects/Engineers
  • Builder: Gilbank Construction, Inc.
  • Construction Date: June 2022
 
References:
  • All photos photos taken by Bill Henke

Last Revised: 2022-07-05 20:27