Cardiff Kook’s surroundings spruced up

Count on the Cardiff Kook’s costumes standing out even more, thanks to new landscaping in front of the statue.

Funding for the beautifying effort came from proceeds of past Cardiff Kook Runs. And this is just the first phase. Eventually, landscaping will encircle the statue. Also, behind it, plans call for installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps that lead to the San Elijo Campgrounds.

Over the years, proceeds have also paid for a banister around the kook and bi-monthly statue cleanings.

The project was a partnership between Steve Lebherz with the Cardiff Kook Run, Cardiff 101 Mainstreet, Spath Gardens and Nature Concepts Landscape.

“A lot of people pitched in,” said Tess Radmill, executive director of Cardiff 101 Mainstreet. “We wanted the community to see the improvements before the next Cardiff Kook Run so they can see their dollars put to work.”

The next Cardiff Kook 5K & 10K Run is slated for 8 a.m. on Feb. 1. To register, visit cardiffkookrun.com.

Ever since debuting in 2007, the kook has been a favorite target of anonymous pranksters who dress it up. Occasionally, though, the statue reflects serious events, like when it was draped in a French flag and given a pencil more than a week ago as a tribute to the staff of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.