Meet Roxanne, Shorewood's Rock Snake

Last summer, an anonymous Shorewood resident started a humble "rock snake" in the park near the farmer's market's northern end. What began as one person's quiet project blossomed into a community creation, with neighbors and visitors adding rocks, watching it grow, and discovering the simple joy of contributing to something shared.

The rock snake, affectionately named Roxanne, became an unexpected gathering place. Families set up picnics beside her. People stopped by to add their own rocks. In an age of curated social media, here was something beautifully real and collaborative—a work of art that belonged to everyone.

As Roxanne settles into hibernation beneath the snow, her creator prepares for a move to California, leaving their beloved creation in the capable hands of winter and Shorewood's community spirit.

If you venture to the park this winter, you'll find her there, waiting under the snow. And come spring, who knows? Roxanne might just wake up to a whole new group of neighbors ready to help her grow again.