BELLEVUE, Tenn. (WTVF) – — It's the last thing you would expect to see in a Bellevue neighborhood, so not surprisingly, a new dinosaur display is turning heads.
People driving along Poplar Creek Road have noticed three dinosaurs have been placed on the gated property in the last week. Many have stopped to take pictures and get a closer look.
“It’s become quite the Bellevue phenomenon and the talk of the town,” said Darah Kerpka, who stopped to see the dinosaurs with her sons Jack and Cutler.
Also, on the property, visitors can see replicas of a lion, tiger and bear sitting right by the gate.
Photos have been shared multiple times on social media sites as word of the display has grown.
“It’s just around the corner from my house,” said Kerpa. “It’s pretty cool. I’m wondering if there is something bigger in the works.”
The property is owned by George Boedecker, the founder of the Crocs shoe company and the Boedecker Foundation. He said the three dinosaurs were custom made by an artist he met while doing philanthropy work for his foundation in Mexico. The entire project was done with his grandchildren in mind.
The tiger figure prowling by the gate may look familiar to some. Three years ago, it was on display at another property owned by Boedecker in East Nashville. It received a similar positive response.
Boedecker said he has plans to bring five Velociraptors to the property. He also wants to expand the driveway by the gate so people can park and turnaround safely.
He hopes the prehistoric tribute will continue to be something that brings joy to the community.
