Love is in the air—and on the fence—at The Quarry at Grant Park!
If you’ve ever strolled around The Quarry at Grant Park in Winston-Salem, NC, you might have noticed something curious about the fence around the overhang. Glimmering in the sunlight, dozens of padlocks, each with a unique story, hang there, adding a whimsical touch to the park’s breathtaking views. These aren’t just ordinary locks—they’re “love locks.”
What Are Love Locks?
Love locks are a charming tradition where couples attach a padlock to a public fixture, often fences or bridges, to symbolize their unbreakable love. After securing the lock, the key is typically thrown away, often into a body of water, to signify the permanence of their bond. This practice, which started in Europe, has spread worldwide, creating spontaneous art installations in cities across the globe, including here in Winston-Salem.
Each lock tells a story. Some have names and dates commemorating anniversaries or moments. Others feature heartfelt messages or symbols, showing the individuality of each couple. Walking by the fence, you can feel the love and joy these locks represent, each a testament to a unique relationship.
The Tradition at The Quarry
The tradition of love locks at The Quarry at Grant Park started almost immediately after the park opened in 2017. The original fencing, designed for light use, couldn’t bear the weight of the growing number of locks, so the city removed them with bolt cutters. However, new locks collect along the overhang almost as fast as the city can take them down. With more pressing issues, like repaving streets and maintaining sewer lines, the city somewhat relented and replaced the original fencing with a more robust cable chain-link structure that can better withhold additional weight. Today, some refer to the overhang as ‘Love Lock Bridge.’
A Symbol of Everlasting Love?
Why not clamp steel locks to other public structures, ones with less safety purposes? And not to be a Karen, but the locks impede a perfect view of the water and cliffs, which isn’t ideal. There’s a metal lattice-work arch at the entrance to the Downtown Arts District that encourages folks to add to the display. But with its waters and picturesque cliffs, the Quarry at Grant Park is the perfect backdrop for this romantic gesture. It’s become the spot for couples in Winston-Salem looking to celebrate their love symbolically.
Although the city replaced the fencing for the “love locks,” they will likely periodically diminish the collection. I just hope the removal doesn’t play into the symbolism the locks represent to the young lovebirds.
