The video projections at Columbus's new Scioto Mile were created by Media Arts students and faculty.

Access to Columbus’ new riverfront park, The Scioto Mile, has been pretty tough to come by. But last night, we got to take a peek behind the curtain—err, construction fence—to see the almost-there phase of what is soon to be one of Columbus’ main attractions.

CCAD was granted this special access because our faculty and students added their creativity and expertise to The Scioto Mile —a large-scale, downtown waterfront park project that began in 2008. The project, which will be completed in July, is under the direction of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) who then hired local design firm MSI.

CCAD was approached earlier this year by fountain sponsor the American Electric Power Foundation (AEP) to create a video to be used with the The John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park fountain— a stunning 15,000 sq. ft. water fountain, consisting of several different pools of water and special effect lighting and video.

Media Arts faculty and students pitched their proposals to the Scioto Mile project team to be considered for exclusive video projection at the park. Four proposals are being reviewed for final use. Last night MediaMation and MSI ran on-site tests on the software that allows them to program the fountain. They also checked lights and the integration of the video work. You can check out our pictures, but these truly are a sneak peek. There are more bells and whistles to be unveiled at the Scioto Mile Grand Opening July 7, 5:30 p.m. at Bicentennial Park.

Check out the pictures, visit www.sciotomile.com for more updates and then save the date for the opening of the latest Columbus hot spot.