In June, I put a painted rock shaped like a snake’s head in my front yard with a simple sign that said: “This is Noodle the Snake. Add a painted rock to help Noodle grow!”
At first, I let my neighbors know, but then I thought it would be fun to open it up to the community by posting on our local Facebook page. I honestly had no idea what would happen.
I figured maybe a neighbor or two might add a rock. Instead, Noodle has grown to 45 rocks in less than a week. I didn’t expect a painted rock snake to grow this quickly.
The best part hasn’t been the number of rocks — it’s been watching how they get there.
Throughout the day, I’ll see people walking up with painted rocks in hand. Kids arrive on scooters or bikes, carefully carrying their newest creation. Families stop during an evening walk. Some people spend a few minutes looking at every rock before adding their own to the end of the line.
Every rock is different. There are ladybugs, flowers, rainbows, smiley faces, sports logos, and abstract designs. Some are clearly painted by tiny hands, while others look like miniature works of art. Together, they make a colorful, slightly crooked snake that gets a little longer every day.
Some of my favorite moments have been looking out the window and seeing people I don’t know in the yard, talking, smiling, and taking photos.
One little boy leaned over and gave the rock snake a kiss. They weren’t there because of a scheduled event or organized activity; they had shown up because a painted rock and a simple sign invited them to participate.
It’s interesting how rarely we get opportunities like that anymore. Most of us know the people on either side of us, but not necessarily the families a few streets over. We wave as we pass, but we don’t always have a reason to stop.
Apparently, a growing rock snake is reason enough.
I’ve noticed people checking on Noodle as they walk by, curious to see how much he’s grown since yesterday. A few have come back with additional rocks. Others point him out to friends or visiting grandchildren. Every new addition becomes part of something that belongs to everyone who has contributed.
The project has no rules beyond adding a painted rock. There’s no deadline, no prize, and no expectation that the rocks look a certain way. Some are polished and detailed. Others are delightfully simple. Every single rock fits.
As Noodle has grown, I’ve started wondering how long he’ll grow. Will he make it down the sidewalk? Around the corner? Across the driveway? I truly have no idea, and that’s part of the fun.
This feels like exactly the kind of thing you’d expect in Springville—Art City. One person starts with a single blank rock, someone else adds another, and before long, dozens of neighbors have turned a simple idea into a shared community tradition.
Noodle is still growing, one painted rock at a time.
If you happen to walk, bike, or scooter past and decide to add your own rock to the end of the line, you’ll become part of his story, too. I look forward to seeing just how long he gets!
862 W. 1350 S. • Springville
Submitted By Kelli Oswald
