Controversial 20-Foot Tall Statue of the Virgin Mary Going on the Top of the Mt. Shasta Ski Park
Mt. Shasta Ski Park is making headlines for a unique project that could completely change the look of the mountain. This summer, the ski park will work to construct a 20-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of the Douglas Lift.
The announcement has been to surprising to many. Some are even trying to halt the project in its tracks.
While the ski park has seen several significant projects in recent years, including the installation of the Gray Butte lift, the Virgin Mary statue represents a more personal endeavor. The vision for this statue was a shared dream of the ski park’s owner, Robin Merlo, and her late husband and business partner, Ray Merlo.
According to Robin Merlo, the statue is not just a monumental installation – it’s a promise fulfilled and a profound representation of the commitment to family values that hold a special place within the ski park community. According to the ski park, the installation of the Virgin Mary statue is not intended to align with any specific religious affiliation. Instead, it aims to acknowledge and honor the intrinsic beauty and spiritual significance of the majestic Mount Shasta.
The announcement was met with a petition circulating online asking the owners and U.S. Forest Service to halt the project. The petition currently has nearly 700 signatures, with a goal of 1,000.
“We ask the owners of Mount Shasta Ski Park to cease and desist this construction project immediately,” read the petition on Change.org. “We ask the US Forest Service, with whom the ski park holds use permits, to insist that Mount Shasta Ski Park discontinue this project. We suggest donating the money allocated for this project toward something that might actually benefit the community in a real way, such as a much needed homeless shelter or detox facility.”
The base of the statue will be seen by skiers this winter, with the goal of completing it by the end of summer 2024.
Do you agree with their choice of building a religious statue at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park?
