A Replica Float Plane, built by Brad Pearse of Ozfab was installed at Ely’s newest pocket park, Puddlejumper Park.
The Grand Opening of Puddlejumper Park!
From left to right: Brad Pearse, Kelsey Pearse, Tanner Ott, Mary Ott, Johnny Ott, Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza and and city council member Angela Campbell.
Friday 27th June 2025
Showcasing an important part of Ely’s history and charm, PUDDLEJUMPER PARK was designed for our youth, community and visitors to the area to be enjoyed, respected and hopefully used as inspiration to future generations.
The inspiration for this build comes from the 1956 De Havilland Beaver Floatplane, which was purchased by the Ely based U.S. FOrest Service and is still in use, servicing Ely and the surrounding 3 million acre Superior National Forest.
Using only a photo of the original float plane as a reference, this interactive art piece was entirely hand-built by Brad Pearse or Ozfab, here in Ely MN.
Installation day of the replica float plane at Puddlejumper Park
Piecing together the float plane
Built over a 3 to 4 month period and scaled down by approximately 50%, this interactive art piece was entirely hand-built using an all-aluminum frame and pre-painted aluminum sheet metal.
Final installation at Puddlejumper Park, Ely MN
Located at 115 E Chapman St, Ely MN
OzFab 
You must be logged in to post a comment.